Mr. Wilbur Lawrence Butler Jr

Obituary for Wilbur L. Butler Wilbur Lawrence Butler, Jr (89) of Collinsville, Texas, was born in Gillham, Arkansas on April 12, 1936 to Wilbur (Bud) Butler, Sr. and Mary Etta Youngblood Butler and passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in his home surrounded by his family He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful servant of the Lord, and a respected member of his community leaving behind a legacy of strength, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love for the Lord and his family.

Wilbur's faith in God was the foundation of his life. A devoted believer, he served for many years as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Little Elm, Texas, while raising his family and where he faithfully shared his wisdom and love for the Lord with others. He was currently a member and former deacon of First Baptist Church of Collinsville, Texas, where his steady faith and servant's heart continued to inspire those around him. Wilbur loved the Lord deeply and lived out his faith every day.

Wilbur cherished his family. As a Godly man, he was a steady and guiding presence and a source of strength and wisdom to his wife and children, and a proud patriarch to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in the life and legacy they built together. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or quiet moments, he made each of them feel deeply loved and supported.

He had a deep love for the outdoors and found peace in God's creation. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Wilbur saw countless sunrises and sunsets from the foothills of the Ozark mountains, the majestic peaks of the Colorado Rockies, the rugged Northwest Territory and the tranquil hill country of Texas, where his passion for hunting brought him both joy and reflection. He was a natural storyteller, always ready for a good conversation and a shared laugh.

Known for his strong character and unmatched work ethic, Wilbur built a respected career as a general manager in the lead industry. He believed in working hard, doing things right, and providing for those he loved. His strength, determination, and integrity earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Throughout his rise in the business world, he never forgot his roots as a country boy.

Wilbur was generous with his time, his wisdom, and his resources. Though he could be stern and stubborn, those who knew him best also knew his sweet and warm heart. He found simple joy in splitting wood and building fires at home, tending to his garden, time with his dog Sparky, watching college football with Treva, rooting for those Arkansas razorbacks and sharing his great sense of humor with those around him.

His impact on the community was profound. Wilbur was honored as Citizen of the Year in Frisco, Texas, and a scholarship was established over 30 years ago in his name through Frisco ISD for students specializing in agriculture due to his work and support of the FFA and 4H - a lasting testament to his belief in hard work, education, and opportunity.

Wilbur was proceeded in death by his parents, Bud and Mary, and his stepmother, Martha Youngblood Butler, also by his wife of 59 years, Billie Ruth Fox Butler, Sister-in-law Martha Butler and daughter, Beverly Diann Lane Price.

Wilbur is survived by wife, Treva Jeanene Miller Butler of Collinsville, TX, brother Samuel Jerry Butler of Horatio, AR, sister Glenda and Mike Sims of Dequeen, AR, sister Greta and Chuck McGowen of Broken Bow, OK, daughter Sheila and John Wolfe of Little Elm, Tx, daughter Gail and Clint Dansby of Van Alsytne, Tx, son Matthew and Jean Butler of Prineville, OR and daughter Teresa and Danny White of Van Alstyne, Tx and stepsons Jack and Kendy Knight of Collinsville, Tx and Rick and Carol Knight of Selma, AL and their families; and grandchildren Caleb, Zachary, Cole Lane, Grace McLemore, Emily Cordero, Mary Ridley, John Wolfe Jr, Garrett and Garth Dansby, Brittany Lavergne, Shanna Butler, Katelynn Kandoll, Jacob Butler, Levi Butler, Adam White, Olivia Donahue, and Luke White along with several great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Wilbur will be remembered as a strong man of faith, a devoted family man, a hard worker, a storyteller, lifelong hunter and a friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration.

Visitation will be held at Slay Memorial Funeral Home, 400 S. Highway 377, in Aubrey, TX on February 20, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 pm. The Celebration of Life will be February 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at First Baptist Church Collinsville at 877 Woodland St., Collinsville, TX, 76233. Interment and graveside service will be at Little Elm Cemetery, 16594 King Rd, Frisco, TX 75036.

Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.