Thornton Anderson Butler

Thornton Anderson Butler, Jr., 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Hilton Head Hospital. He was born in Ridgeland. SC, on December 3, 1949, to the late Thornton Anderson and Eleanor Barnes Butler. Thornton was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Ray Butler and his loving grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Mae Barnes.

Thornton loved music throughout his life. Along with friends and family, he played in a band during his early years. Thornton began his professional career as a barber, but in 1974 opened his auto repair facility, Butler’s Service Center. Thornton operated his business for 42 years until his retirement in December 2016.  During his life, Thornton was very active in civic affairs. He served 13 years as a Hardeeville Town Councilman. While on the Town Council, he also served as Police Commissioner. Thornton served for six years as Mayor of Hardeeville, resigning when he moved to the Purrysburg area. Thornton had a great love of the Hardeeville area and its people.

Through the years, Thornton was a volunteer with the Hardeeville Fire Department, the Hardeeville Catfish Festival and the Hardeeville Jaycees. He was a member of the Hardeeville Masonic Lodge. For many years, Thornton participated in automobile racing and was the Oglethorpe Speedway champion in his division during 1978, 79, 80, 81 and 82. Thornton pursued his love of aviation earning several licenses and spending many hours flying with friends. He enjoyed his Tuesday night card game, pond fishing with Duane, tinkering on all manner of repairs with Roy, riding his Harley, camping with friends and family and Carolina Gamecock football.

While Thornton enjoyed his community activities and hobbies, his family was the most important part of his life. He married his high school sweetheart Debora Woods on November 14, 1970.  Their daughter, Allison, was the light of Thornton’s life. And, his two granddaughters, Bailey and Ellie, only made that light shine brighter.

Thornton is survived by his wife of 48 years Debora, his daughter, Allison Butler-Carson, son-in-law, Craig Carson, two granddaughters, Bailey Nicole Carson and Eleanor Brinkley Carson, two brothers, Roy (Nancy) Butler of Hardeeville and Darryl (Lori) Butler of Bluffton, four sisters, Rita White (D.A.) of Santee, Carmon Lowther of Hardeeville, Lou Ella Into of Hardeeville, Susan (Art) Hobbs of Hardeeville, brother-in-law’s, Woody (Linda) Woods of Raleigh, Roger (Earline) Woods of Bluffton and Carl (Robbie) Woods of Tickton Hall and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be receiving friends at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 Adams St, Ridgeland, SC 29936. A memorial service will follow in the Sauls Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home. 

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