Jonas Lee "Skeet" Butts, 94, passed away on November 27, 2020.
He was born on August 19, 1926, to Reverend Zack, Sr. and Gertrude Butts, in Chattanooga. Elder Butts celebrated a rich and full life before the onset of his sickness. He was kind and compassionate, always willing to lend a hand or give help to those in need. Elder Butts gave his life to Christ in May 1955 and became an active member of New Enon Baptist Church. He later moved his membership to Greater New Home Missionary Baptist Church, were he served faithfully for over 55 years as an Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Minister, Elder, and Elder over the Senior Saints Ministry. Also, Elder Butts served as interim Pastor of New Home Baptist church until the installation of Pastor G. M. Spotts. Additionally, he was a faithful member of the Ministers Union, as it progressed the named changed to Clergy Koinonia and Standifer Place Auxiliary and Church Service, where he preached to the patients every Tuesday.
Elder Butts received his education from the Fort Cheatham School System. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during World War II from July 31, 1943 - Dec. 21, 1945, and received an honorable discharge. He worked at Ernest Holmes Wrecker Company, Hamilton County Nursing Home (Standifer Place), and retired from Erlanger Hospital.
Elder Butts was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Zack Sr. and Gertrude Butts, 19 siblings; wives, May Bell, Anne Grace, and Pearl Lee; sons, John Wayne Butts Sr., Melvin Butts, and Minister Daryl Butts.
Elder Butts was surrounded by family as he transitioned peacefully at his residence. His loving and devoted family will cherish his memories, Children: Rhonda Williams, Nichelle (Jearld) Sanders, Jimmy Butts, Ricardo (Loice) Butts, all of Chattanooga, Minister Cedric (Deaconess Suzette) Butts, of Norfolk, VA. and Timekeus; Daughter-in-law, Ariene Butts; Grandchildren, John Wayne Jr., Barry, Waynette, Jermine, Markeita, Qunicy, Timothy Jr., Cedrick, Dedrick, Cardarius, Timekeus Jr., Johnny Jr., Ricardo Jr., Coridon, Amari, Cameron, Farrel, Artuero (Valerie), and Cherrick; great grandchildren, Dr. DeMario, Brandon, Tevin, Timothy III, Tyson, Jamison, Christopher, Tennyson, Taylor, and Timbe; siblings, Margaret and Edell Butts; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; his special little nephew, Lawson Standerfer; his sports traveling partner, the late Deacon Elijah Sanders; his special children, Deacon Dewie Smartt, Deacon Terrance Clay, Deacon Bill Williams, Deacon Michael Thompson, Elder Cortez Stokes, Elder Eyo Efiom, Pastor Anthony Williams, Elder Lyndon Clay, Detective Cory Stokes, and Sister Gwyndnn Bush; his special grandchildren at New Home and Greater Friendship, and his dear friend, Mrs. Jean White.
A public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at noon on Monday, Dec. 7, at New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga. Interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery.