Gaines Copeland Butler Sr.

Cope was born in Elbert County to William Newton Butler Sr. and Maggie Lee Webb Butler as the last of 10 children in the Stinchcomb community. Cope was most proud of the 3 jobs that had over the years - 34 with United Merchants, 8 years with Ayers (and then Saxon) Hardware, and 10 years with Berry Funeral home and was a faithful member of Eliam United Methodist Church. Surviving is his wife of 59 years - Irene Smith Butler, son Gaines C. Butler, Jr. and his wife Susan of Snellville, GA; son William Earl Butler and his wife Kathy of Vidalia, GA; and daughter Diane Moss and husband Dennis Moss of Elberton, GA.  Grandchildren Debbye Siedschlag and husband Brett of Columbia, SC; Dana Moss of Elberton, GA; Kristen Ciaburri and husband Jonathan of Snellville, GA;Joni Butler of Vidalia, GA; Mark Butler and wife Megan of Birmingham, AL; and Megan Butler of Snellville, GA. He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters Haley Pope Butler, Raymond Butler, Perry Butler, Frank Butler, Flora Butler Blount, Margarette Butler Ward, William Newton Butler Jr., Henry Butler, and Mary Lou Butler Denny. Funeral services will be held Wednesday December 23, at 11AM at the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Rev. J. Wesley Privett and Rev. Gary Purvis officiating. Burial will be in Fortsonia Community Cemetery. The family will be at the home 2220 Hudson Rd. and will receive friends 10-11AM just prior to the service at Berry Funeral Home. Pallbearers will include Hugh Butler, Charles Butler, Bob Butler, David Butler, Carey Butler, Russell Butler, Milton Butler, Jimmy Butler, and Johnson Butler, The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either Eliam United Methodist Church (c/o Ken Taylor, 1969 Rousey Rd., Elberton, GA 30635) or TJ & Friends Foundation (1675 Deep Creek Road, Dewey Rose, GA  30634).