Mr. Fred E. Butler, 97, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Monday, March 15, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following an extended illness.

Mr. Butler, a native of Buford, Gwinnett County, Ga., was the son of the late James Thomas Butler and Sarah Frances Thurman Butler. He had lived in the Alma, Bacon County, and Douglas, Coffee County areas most of his life, was a retired farmer and rancher, of the Baptist faith, and the widower of the late Lola Malloy Butler.

Survivors include: two daughters, Rachael Evelyn Byrd of Macon, Ga., and Anna Ruth Dom of North Augusta, S.C.; four sons, Ronnie Wayne Butler, Sr., of North Augusta, Ga., Roy Jack Butler of Dearing, Ga., Larry Butler of Hazlehurst, Ga., and Kennon Frederick Butler of Baxley, Ga.; 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mr. Butler was preceded in death by one son, Thomas Allison Butler; two daughters, Vivian Lavonia Vincent Walker and Margaret Frances Butler; and one grandson, William Byrd, Jr.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 18, 2004, at the Chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home, with Rev. Matt Rutland officiating. A special eulogy was presented by Curtis Harper. Special musical selections, "Amazing Grace" and "Going Home," were presented by Angie O'Steen and Larry Butler, with Joanne Seebeck accompanying at the piano. "He Walks With Me" was rendered by soloist Rev. Matt Rutland, with taped music. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Danny O'Steen, Clint Ledford, Doug Wallen, Harvey Vincent, Charles Butler, and Wayne Butler.

Honorary pallbearers were the staff of Shady Acres Convalescent Center, Mrs. Gordon Boone, Henry and Joann Gregg, and J.T. Taylor.

Ricketson Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements