Robert Gilliam Butcher Jr.

1934 - 2021

BUTCHER, Robert Gilliam, Jr., passed away peacefully on April 6, 2021 surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson's. Born September 28, 1934, "Butch" was the youngest of three children of the late Robert G. Butcher and Laura B. Butcher. He was raised in Ginter Park, Richmond, Va., where he formed some of his most lasting friendships. He attended Ginter Park Elementary School and then St. Christopher's School, where he graduated in 1953. While at St. Christopher's, he was active in whatever sport was in season. He later served on the school's Alumni Board. Butch earned his undergraduate degree in 1957 from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and the Eli Banana Ribbon Society. He was President of the P K German Dance Society and, with the help of his good friend, Jimmy Black, booked bands including Count Basie, Lionel Hampton and Louis Armstrong, among others, for big dance weekends. He went on to graduate from UVA Law School, paying his way by operating a Dairy Queen on Rt. 29 with his partner, Bob Sandel. He often joked that he made more money at the Dairy Queen than he did the first few years practicing law. Butch began his law practice with Robert Parrish, the surviving member of his father's law firm, Parrish, Butcher, and Parrish. When Mr. Parrish retired, he went to work for the firm of Browder, Russell, and Morris, which later became Browder, Russell, Little, Morris, and Butcher. After 18 years of law practice, he and others founded Investors Savings and Loan in 1974, where he later became Board Chairman and CEO. Working with the amazing people at the "squirrel bank" would always be the highlight of his career. While at Investors, his interest in real estate grew with numerous relationships forged through successful joint ventures in residential development and homebuilding, shopping center and mixed use developments. He also served as the President of the Virginia League of Savings Institutions and as a member of the Real Estate Advisory Committee of the Virginia Retirement System. In 1995, he and his partner, Warner Blunt, founded Builder Resource and Development, a homebuilder finance business, that evolved and continued until he begrudgingly retired only when his health failed. He was a former member of the Westwood Racquet Club, where he served as President, and the Commonwealth Club. Butch's true passion was everything UVA. He served as President of the VA Student Aid Foundation and served eight years on the school's Board of Visitors. He was an avid UVA sports fan and supporter of the athletics program. Dedicating untold man hours to Virginia Football in recruiting (when alumni were allowed), improving facilities and supporting coaches, in 2005 he received the distinguished Order of the Crossed Sabres award for his outstanding service to the program. Butch was preceded in death by his wife, Anne S. Butcher; and his sisters, Laura B. Morgan of Hampton and Nancy B. Leake of Richmond. He is survived by his children, Robert G. Butcher III (Kara), Laura C. "Christy" Butcher, Guy B. Butcher (Cary), Kevin E. Butcher (Christina); stepsons, Brian F. Enroughty (Michelle), Scott E. Enroughty and Jerry "Jay" Whitaker Jr. (Jennifer); and adored his role as "Poppy" to his nine grandchildren, Grace, Bobby, Jack, Charlie, Kevin Jr., Kaitlyn, Beckett, Brooke and Ryan. He was also the beloved "Uncle Bobby" to three nieces and two nephews. Butch will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, especially laughing harder than anyone else at his own jokes. He was a consummate deal maker, believing in handshakes rather than contracts, and taking people for their word. He was happiest listening to toe-tapping music with his lifelong friends, spending time with his family on vacation at Figure 8 Island, spoiling his dogs and spending hours filling pages of yellow pads with hand calculated numbers for his next real estate deal. The family wishes to thank Bons Secours Hospice and the many caregivers who were devoted to Dad's care. A special thank you to Erica, his longtime caregiver, who kept him laughing until the end. The funeral service and interment in Hollywood Cemetery will be private. A celebration of Butch's life will be held as soon as COVID restrictions allow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Athletics Foundation or St. Christopher's School.