Ray Butler

PONTOTOC - Wilson Ray Butler, 87, went Home to be with Jesus Monday, March 16, 2026, with his wife by his side. He was born October 16, 1938, in Baldwyn, Miss. to Elmer Rone and Dortha Helen Wilson Butler.He married the love of his life, Joyce Sanders Butler on December 23, 1957. Ray served proudly in the U.S. Army with the rank of Private. When he moved his family to Pontotoc he worked at Brookwood Furniture Factory for 31 years. He loved to garden, go to yard sales and the Salvation Army and the library where he often visited with everyone who came and went.He enjoyed reading, watching old movies and tv shows. He also enjoyed building a fire in his fire pit in the morning and drinking coffee with his dear wife and looked forward to spending the evenings at the fire with anyone who wanted to stop and chat. He loved his family and looked forward to visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His smile brightened our day to the very end. He was our Ray of Sunshine.He was a faithful member of West Heights Baptist Church where he served as a door greeter every Sunday, when he was able.Ray is survived by his wife, Joyce whom he was married to for 68 years; five daughters - Cindy Franks of Pontotoc, Regina Butler of Pontotoc, Sara Prince (Terry) of Draper Virginia; Amee Marshall (Tony) of Aberdeen, Kirsten Sloan (Brad) of New Albany; three sons - Dale Butler (Twila), Carey Butler and Micah Butler (Abbey) all of Pontotoc. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, Mike Franks of Pontotoc and two grandsons - Liam Butler of North Pole, Alaska and William Sloan of New Albany.Visitation will be Thursday, March 19, 5-8 p.m. at Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, March 20, 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at West Heights Baptist Church with Bro. David Hamilton officiating. Burial will be in the Bramlett Cemetery with full military honors. Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc is handling the arrangements.Pallbearers will be Michael Wendler, Jonathan Butler, Vann Prince, Kaelan Butler, Jacob Marshall and Hoyte Butler. Posthumous honorary pallbearers will be Liam Butler and William Sloan.