Ralph L Butler

Butler, Ralph L., age 92 of Palm Harbor, FL, passed away, April 19, 2024 at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor, Fl. Born in Brown, West Virginia, he was raised in the Washington, D.C. area. Ralph served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He went on to work for the Federal Government as an Executive Officer. He married and had four children. Ralph married the love of his life, spending over 50 years with her, Barbara C. Butler (Boteler). They spent most of their married life in West Virginia, later moving to Palm Harbor to be closer to family. While in Clarksburg, WV Ralph was a member of the Salem Rifle and Pistol Club for many years. In later years he and Barbara received great assistance and support from neighbors and friends. Specifically, the Adkins family and their son-in-law Adam Roberts, the Nazum family and Mary Davis. A close friend John Thornhill. His care giver and friend Jean McDonald. Lastly, Dennis Bundy who is like a son. He and his family have been a constant source of love and support over the years. Young Ralph began a career as a semi-pro baseball pitcher gradually working his way into the minor leagues where he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. He was drafted into the Korean war and after discharge took advantage of the GI Bill and got is B.A. from Maryland University. He loved to fly and got his light aircraft pilot’s license. He later tried free fall sky diving with his youngest daughter. An avid tennis player after age 30 he played into his 70's. Ralph was a self-taught artist using oils and shared his art with friends and family. At an early age he developed a love for and appreciation of classical music. He loved nature and became an amateur herpetologist. He never met an animal he didn't like and they seemed to gravitate to him. Ralph was a devoted husband to Barbara for over 50 years. Left to cherish Ralph's memory are his wife, Barbara C. Butler; children Robin Lee Gaylor (Dwight), Christine Anne Butler, Mari Lee Butler Muller (Tom), Ralph Drew Butler, Step sons John Colligan, James Colligan, Kevin Colligan, step-daughter Barbara Ann Colligan. Grandchildren Erin Anne Gaylor and Grandson Kyle Martin Gaylor and numerous step grandchildren and great Grandchildren and extended family and friends. Ralph's wish was not for a service but for his remains to be placed with his wife. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel2Towers, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children or to a Non-kill Animal Shelter of your choice. 

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