“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”

Psalms 116:15

Frederick R. Butler, affectionately known as “Freddie”, was born March 24, 1947, in Akron, Ohio; the oldest of four children born to the late Harold and Geraldine Butler. With his family he attended church and received Christ as his Savior. He attended Akron Public Schools, graduating from East High School in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War as an  infantryman and paratrooper. He loved the military and after receiving an Honorable Discharge he served an additional twenty years with the National Guard.

His only son, Anthony Collins, was welcomed on April 27, 1966. While stationed at Ft. Bragg he met Clara Greene.  Upon his discharge they married and from this union two daughters were born: Clarice and Crystalynne Butler.  On May 28, 1988, he married Patricia Grandison, blending his family to include her children, Tony, Doreen and Denise.  Freddie had a strong love for his family and was the definition of provider and protector.  Freddie and Pat later moved to Rex, Ga. in 1996.

Freddie was the oldest grandson; the one who looked out for all the cousins; but he was also a prankster; there was never a dull moment. Seventh Avenue was the homestead, and Freddie was the constant presence in the lives of his siblings and his cousins. Always the leader of childhood adventures and a protective shield around us, “his charges”. Freddie was and will always remain, a constant “Presence” in all of our lives. Trips to Akron were a regular part of his lifestyle. Occasions big or small; all he needed was a call! Visits to Georgia were always filled with fun and memorable events. He loved burnt hot dogs and pork & beans.  He would say no matter what you put on a hot dog, it’s still good.

As a young man he was fascinated with speed and loved driving. He would race his car up and down Seventh Avenue. He loved watching NASCAR and once worked on the pit crew for  the Indy 500. He enjoyed playing card games like bellows, spades, and bid whist.  He also enjoyed dominoes, fishing and was an avid bowler. He even had luggage for his bowling balls! Freddie had a smile and a personality that drew people to him. He had an infectious laugh that shook his entire body! He loved laughter, dancing, and music and could be found as a DJ  at the VFW on “Oldies but Goodies” night.

He lived out his love of driving by becoming a long-distance truck driver, reaching almost two million safe-driving miles before forming his own trucking company in 2003, Fredrick R. Butler Trucking. On March 1, 2012, at the age of sixty-five, he sold his truck and finally retired, but sitting still was never an option.  He started traveling more, hosting card parties, joining multiple bowling leagues, and hanging out with friends at the Golden Corral.  He built lasting memories and was present for all his grandkids.  February 9, 2024, he suffered a life altering stroke and moved back to Akron to receive around the clock care. But you could still find him playing cards and his new game of hide the remote.  After battling for 2 years, he quietly slipped away early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Iverson Landis Jr, daughter and son-in-law Clarice (Charles) Butler-Starks.  He leaves to honor and cherish his memory; wife, Patricia Butler of Rex, GA, uncle Edward (Ann) Stevenson; sons Anthony Collins of Akron, Ohio, Tony Gentry of Rex, Ga. ; brothers Roxie (Marie) Stevenson of Columbus, Ohio and Michael (Carol) Stanford of Granite Bay, California; daughters, Crystalynne (Trevar Fletcher) Butler of Akron, Ohio, Doreen Grandison, Akron, Ohio; and Denise (Roosevelt) Favor of Buford, Ga., sisters Constance Lee, Qwinita Bell, La Nettra Thomlinson, Sharon Williams, and Karen Stallings of Akron, Ohio, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great – grandchildren.  A special thank you to his care team who was there for his every beck and call; his daughter Crystalynne; sister’s, Constance, Qwinita, and LaNettra ; grandchildren, Raven, Charles, Ryan, and RaMontè Butler, The Veteran’s Administration Home Care Team, and First Light Home Care.