Dr. Michael Butters
Dr. Mike Butters, who was a well-known counselor for four decades in the Chattanooga area, died suddenly, yet peacefully, on Monday evening, September 24, 2018, at his home near Jacksonville, N.C., where he and his wife had moved recently.
They had just returned home following evacuations from the hurricane.
Michael was the son of Alvin "Al" and Dorothy "Dot" Butters. He was born in Charleston, S.C., and lived in various cities during his youth, ultimately calling Jacksonville, N.C., his hometown and graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1966. He served as student body president and president of the North Carolina Scholastic Press Institute.
He attended Campbell University (then Campbell College) and earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1970. To this he added a Master's degree in Elementary in Education, a Specialist degree in Reading, and a Master's degree in School administration, all from East Carolina University. He then continued his studies at the University of North Dakota, where he was awarded an Ed.D. in School Administration and a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance. Michael concluded his formal education when he earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from TexTech University in 1984.
In 1974, he married Vicki Willis of Newport. Their 44-year marriage has been a model to many of a loving, happy, sacrificial marriage. Neither one of them claimed the other was perfect, but they were both committed to enjoying the life they created together.
Their children, Jon Butters of Kingston, Massachusetts, and Wendy Minjares of Fort Worth, Texas, recall a life filled with music, laughter, and adventure. Michael made every effort to be present in his children's lives, and the warmth and love he radiated impacted the many young people who frequented their home.
Michael was generous with his finances, his humor, his wisdom, and his love. Service was the defining characteristic of his life-making him a gifted therapist, an exceptional teacher, a doting father and grandfather, and a life-giving friend.Those who knew him understand what it means to be loved.
Michael is survived by his wife, Vicki; son, Jon Butters and wife Sarah; daughter, Wendy Minjares, and husband Adrian; and grandchildren, Owen MacInnis, Arya Butters, Rebecca Minjares, and Caleb Minjares.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army, the Chattanooga-LaFayette Emmaus Community, Convoy of Hope, or Semper Fi Fund.
The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 2 at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, NC. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 3 at Jones Funeral Home and will be followed by burial in Canady Memorial Cemetery in Newport, N.C.