John Linwood Butler Jr.

1934 - 2025

John Linwood Butler, Jr.

October 13, 1934 - August 18, 2025

John Linwood "Fats" Butler, Jr., 90, of Glen Allen, Va., went to be with the Lord on August 18, 2025. He is preceded into heaven by his parents, John Linwood Butler, Sr. and Mazie Dudley Butler; sisters, Mazie Butler and Evelyn Carter. He is survived by his daughter, Donna R. Butler (Gary); grandchildren, Candice Taylor-Best (James), Jonathan Reyns, and Crystal Myers (Chris); great-grandchildren, Dylan Taylor, Landon Taylor, Caylee Myers, Elijah Best, and Camryn Myers; as well as several nieces and nephews, and extended family who will be left to mourn his passing. A special heartfelt thank you to Maxine Barbour for being by his side daily to ensure he had the quality of care he deserved.

Born in Richmond, Va., John served proudly in the United States Army stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, before embarking on his long career of over 39 years working for VEPCO (now Virginia Power/Dominion Energy). He was a longtime member of Glen Allen Lodge # 131 Freemasons, since April 3, 1971. He was honored to be Master Mason of the Glen Allen Lodge in 2004. He along with his Mason brother, Mack, were both proudly recognized in 2021 for their loyalty and being active Masons for 50 years and both were overjoyed to be able to receive their pins and recognition together. He willingly took on the task and responsibility to teach the catechisms of the Masonic values to the newest members of Freemasons by the "old ways," the thorough and honorable way for over 10 years. He was also a member of ACCA Temple Shriners; specifically with the antique car club and Honor guard, and let's not forget about Mr. Peanut's fundraiser for the Shriners.

John was a man of deep faith and was a member of both Greenwood UMC and Biltmore Baptist Church where he made many friends in fellowship with Christ.

Even though he was at times stubborn, those who had the pleasure of knowing him knew he was always ready with a joke or two or three and enriching life stories full of knowledge. He loved to meet new people and try new things (at least once). He was always on the move until the last few years, whether he was traveling to a new city to catch a new Broadway show or local live theater production with Mack, Pat and Kitty, or going on Caribbean cruises with Gary and Donna, where Gary taught him the table game craps, and yes, he was instant proud gambler, or staying home preparing for his annual Brunswick stew, which is the best you've ever had, with help from his dear friend Roy and many of his Mason brothers, he would always add his own personal perspective to any event. It had been a few years, but he always loved to dance. Ballroom was his favorite but would also like to cut-a-rug with a little country two-step or jitterbug. He always had a passion and appreciation for music. Since early adulthood and in the Army he was a true entertainer and loved the spotlight. He loved to sing and play the mandolin, banjo and guitar. He was blessed with the ability of playing by ear and could join in with anyone for a great performance and show. He loved to play at nursing facilities for the folks that were shut in. He truly loved his life to the fullest and always lived and reflected to say, "Can you believe we did that?" Instead of, "I wish I did that." What an amazing life and adventure.

The family will receive friends, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Bliley's, 8510 Staples Mill Road, after which a celebration of John's life will take place at Glen Allen Lodge, 3024 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, Va. A Graveside service will be held 3 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, Va., with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to VCU Massey Cancer Center.