Thomas Butler

Thomas Sterling Butler, on January 2, 2011, suddenly began his life of peace with God in Mathews, VA while on a brief vacation. He was the son of the late Mildred and Morris Butler, formerly of Petersburg. He has lived in Richmond since 1969. Mr. Butler was an engineering graduate of Virginia Tech and earned a Master in Commerce degree from University of Richmond. He served in the Navy (USNR) at N.A.D. Earle, NJ and in Chu Lai, Vietnam as Military Sea Transport Officer, retiring as Lt. Junior Grade. He began work as an industrial engineer at Reynolds Metals in 1969, retiring from Alcoa at age 57. He was presently employed by Morgan Edwards Realty in Mathews, VA, and active in numerous professional societies and philanthropic organizations. He was ever faithful, a loving caretaker of his family and supported everyone he knew. He had a way of always knowing exactly what needed to be done and simply doing it. He was a fisherman (baiting everyone elseâ??s hooks), a lover of sunsets and of natureâ??s beauty. Always ready for a round of golf and a faithful Virginia Tech football fan. His family and friends are all beneficiaries of his life. Mr. Butler is survived by his wife Maria, his two children Lizzy Mottern (husband Bobby Mottern) and Thomas Butler (partner Vivian Sylvest); sister Janet Barker, uncle Lewis Butler, aunt Francis Healey. A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA. Following the burial, there will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 903 Forest Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Appomattox Regional Governors School, 512 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA, 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .