James “Sonny” Butler, 88, of Thomasville, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024 surrounded by his family at the Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point.

Sonny was born on April 1, 1936, in Meridian, MS, to the late Sam A. Butler and Clara DeWease Butler.  He was a standout athlete at High Point High School, earning recognition as an All-American Quarterback.  Sonny continued to shine in football at Catawba College, excelling as a Quarterback and Safety, finishing the last year of his Business Degree at High Point University, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably as a Lance Corporal.

After his military service, Sonny worked in the hardwood veneer industry, later establishing Butler Veneer Sales, a business that continues to thrive under the leadership of his son, Marc.  Known for his generosity, Sonny often remarked, “It is not my money, but God’s money”, reflecting his commitment to helping others, supporting his church, and many neighbors and others in need.

Sonny stayed physically active after college. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the YMCA, working out regularly and playing racquetball.

Sonny joined the Green Street Baptist Church when he moved to High Point at the age of 4.  He was a lifelong member of Green Street where he served as a deacon.

His love for the beach and golf led him and his wife Betty to retire at Pawleys Island, where they built their dream home in Pawleys Plantation, and joined the First Baptist Church of Georgetown.  Later, moving back to Thomasville to be closer to their children, and returning to Green Street Baptist Church.

Sonny is preceded in death by his daughter Leigh Butler Kirk; grandchildren Ayden and Rylan Bullock; and his brother Alman Butler.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Flintom Butler; daughters Kelley Butler Griffin (John) and Sallie Butler Ledford; son Marc Wyatt Butler (Erin); grandchildren Chasity Bowles (Adam), Brittany Bullock (Clint), Nathan Nifong (fiancé Anna Blackburn), Reid Butler (Natalie), and Kendall Butler McCormick (Lawson); great-grandchildren Avery, Jack, Caroline, Jase, and Hudson; as well as his brother Roger Butler (Judy) and sister-in-law Susan Hines Butler.

A celebration of Sonny’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Green Street Baptist Church, with Pastor Ted Sherrill officiating.  A committal service will follow at Floral Garden Park Cemetery for family and close friends.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Green Street Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Piedmont in honor of James W. Butler.

Cumby Family Funeral Service, High Point, is honored to serve the Butler family during this time.