Albert Vernon Butler

Funeral services for Albert Vernon Butler, 86, of Ashburn will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at the Ashburn First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Mr. Butler died Monday at his residence following an extended illness.

Mr. Butler was born in Manchester, Georgia on August 11, 1921. He was the son of the late L.M. & Mattie Irene Yancey Butler. He was a graduate of McRae High School and the University of Georgia. He served in World War II entering the U.S. Army on July 16, 1943. He was a technician in an Ordinance Light Maintenance Company. He saw action in Italy, Sicily, France, and Germany. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Service Arrowhead and EAMET Service Medal along with several letters of commendation. He was discharged from the Army on Sept. 30, 1945.

After military service he married Sarah Martha Ann Rogers on September 12, 1948. They moved to Ashburn in 1958 and Mr. Butler was the owner of the Western Auto Store. In 1965, Mr. Butler joined the U. S. Department of Agriculture as an auditor.

Mr. Butler was a Mason, member of the Lions Club and the American Legion. He was a member of the Ashburn First Baptist Church where he was a member of the Gilbert Branch Sunday School Class and the Joyful Messengers and was a former Deacon. He was a charter member of the Wanee Lake County Club. Following retirement in 1981, from the USDA, he enjoyed being a member of the “Over the Hill Golf Group” and serving as Superior Court bailiff at the Turner County Court House. He will be fondly remembered for his keen sense of humor and his amazing ability to kid young and old people alike.

Mr. Butler is survived by his wife, Martha Butler of Ashburn, Ga., his daughters, Bunny (Scott) Chestnutwood, Tifton, Ga., and Julianne (John) Lowe, Watkinsville, Ga. Also surviving are his grandchildren Brandon (Hillary) Lowe, Watkinsville, Ga., Scott Lowe, Charleston, S.C., Anna Chestnutwood of Athens, Ga. and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ashburn First Baptist Church, 302 McLendon St., Ashburn, GA 31714, American Cancer Society, 323 Pine Ave,, Albany, Ga. 31701, or United Hospice of Cordele, 708 16th Ave. East, Cordele, Ga. 31015.