Charles Ira Butler

Charles Ira Butler, 86, of North Little Rock, passed away August 9, 2015. Born July 13, 1929 at the family home of Orland Joshaway Butler Sr. and Lucy Jane Smith Butler in Little Rock, he was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Eva Louvenia Butler, Orland Joshaway Butler Jr. and Harry Joe Butler, and two cherished grandchildren, Charlotte Ann Butler and Bradley Kent Butler. Charlie is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Bettye Marie May Butler, along with their three sons, Charles Michael "Mike" Butler (Linda), James Patrick "Pat" Butler (Debbie) and Robert Kent "Bob" Butler (Cricket); grandchildren, Todd Jeffery Butler (Elizabeth) and Autumn Joy Butler Parker (Ryan); and three great-grandchildren, David Calen Parker, Rylin Joy Parker and Cannon Jaymes Butler. Charlie attended Little Rock High School where he was president of the LRHS Print Shop and, following graduation, went to work for Western Newspaper Union running a vertical press where they sold preprinted national news to the various Arkansas newspapers. He transferred to the shipping department where he became foreman and was later promoted to sales where he traveled northern Arkansas for 36 years. He was active as a supplier with the Arkansas Press Association and attended their semi-annual conventions for many years, forging lasting friendships with owners and employees of Arkansas newspapers. A lover of "old" cars, he belonged to several car clubs, including the Model "A" Club of America (50 year member), Arkansas Travelers Antique Automobile Club (ATAAC) and the Razorback Car Club. He was a charter member of the 50th Anniversary Model "A" Car Club, and the Mid-America Antique Automobile Club (MOTAA) which was affiliated with the Antique Car Museum at Petit Jean Mountain. Charlie served at Petit Jean as the coordinator of annual car shows, swap meet chairman and served as head judge. Charlie was a member of the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, member of the Crescent Lodge, a 33rd Degree Mason and member of the Diner's Unit, a former member of the Bedouins and a 50 year plus member of the Scimitar Shrine Temple. Services will be Thursday, August 13 at 11 a.m. at Park Hill Baptist Church, 201 East "C" Avenue, North Little Rock, where Charlie was a longtime member, officiated by Rev. Luke Flesher and Dr. Ken Shaddox. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 10:00, preceding the 11 a.m. service at the church. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Charlie's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.