Tommy Butler

Tommy Wayne Butler, age 77 of Clay, AL, formerly of Rockwood, TN, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the UAB Saint Vincent's East Hospital after long health struggles. Born and raised in the New Hope community, Tommy learned his strong work ethics by helping to work in dairy, fishing and farming alongside his family members. As a 1967 graduate of Rockwood High School, he learned teamwork and effort as a member of the football team, where he played both guard and tackle positions for the Tigers. He was also a proud member of the TN National Guard and learned structure and fortitude, and no telling what else. Tommy was into cars and went to work to support his passion. First, a while in the hosiery mill, then the old TN Forging Steel Mill. He had chosen his career path there and was good at his job. That took us to Wilton, Iowa, where he worked at North Star Steel, then a new startup as superintendent in charge of the Rolling Mill of Bayou Steel in Louisiana. Finally, getting back closer to home, we landed at Birmingham Steel which became Nucor Steel and he retired from there. We learned that it became much harder to move when four kids are in schools they like and had settled in. 

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents: Beulah and Warren Butler, nephews: David Brent Butler, Scott Johnson, Matthew Johnson; his little sister: Carolyn Butler Johnson, all of Rockwood. His other siblings are: Eddie Butler, Donna Butler Vitatoe (Billy Joe) and Judy Butler

Tommy chose wisely and married Angie Luffman from South Harriman and for 47 years together, they raised 5 children. Sean Butler and his kids: Dylan, Taylor, and Kaitlin of Wisconsin: Jamie Nicole and her daughters: Emily Swallows and Lainey Swallows Kelley (Mason) of Tennessee. Aaron Butler, Haley Butler, and Mason Butler (Amanda Newberry Butler), and their children: Ezra, Jude, and Sutton Butler, all in Alabama.

There are a host of special nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, in-laws, out-laws, and great friends, too many to list but all have been a part of life's joy!

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 pm Et at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm ET with Bro. Bill Brown officiating. Graveside and interment services will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 am in the New Hope Cemetery in Rockwood. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Tommy Butler.