O.L. "Whitey" Butler

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 11:00 a.m for O.L. "Whitey" Butler, 85, of Gainesville. The family will receive friends at Little-Davenport Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Mr. Butler died Sunday, July 29, 2007 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Whitey, as he was known, was born in Coffee County, near Ambrose, Georgia. He completed high school at Ambrose and went into the Civilian Conservation Corps at Niceville, Florida. After leaving the CCC, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the capacity of Chaplain's Assistant, Company Clerk, Crash Crewman, Court Reporter, and personal secretary to the General of the 9th Marine Air Wing at Cherry Point, NC.

In 1950, he graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS and Master's in Agriculture Education. While at the University, he was a cheerleader for the Bulldogs, a member of the Men's Glee Club, taught social dancing and called square dances, and appeared in several musical shows.

Whitey went to work for the Georgia Extension Service in 1950, as Assistant County Agent in Canton, GA., where he met and married Mary Owen. They came to Gainesville in 1956, where Whitey served the people of Hall County as Assistant County Agent, and then County Extension Director until retirement in 1981. After retirement, he joined Georgia First Bank as Director of Public Relations. As an after dinner speaker for organizations across the state and country, he delighted countless audiences with his own version of homespun humor.

During his time as Hall County Extension Agent, Whitey had daily radio programs on 3 local stations for which he twice won the Associated Press' National Radio-TV Award for outstanding journalism. These radio awards represent only a couple of the many accolades Whitey received during his service to Hall County. He also was recognized at the state level for the newspaper columns he regularly wrote as County Agent. As a result of his outstanding service, he was named 1970 Man of the Year by the Georgia Association of County Commissioners. He was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the Epsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity, and received the Distinguished Service Award by the National County Agents' Association. He received numerous other awards in honor and appreciation of his outstanding and unselfish service.

Above and beyond the recognition Whitey received, lie considered his greatest contribution to be an educator of the youth here in Northeast Georgia. Through his role with the 4H Clubs, his influence in the lives of those numerous young men and women with whom he interacted is still felt today.

During his tenure as county extension agent, Whitey's proudest accomplishment for our community was the Hall County Farmers' Market which he founded and served as chief advocate of its growth and success. In 2007, Whitey was inducted into the Georgia Ag Hall of Fame as a result of his body of contributions to the agricultural community.

Outside of his professional life, Whitey was very active in community service. He was a member of First Baptist Church and served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, member of Anglers Sunday School Class, and a choir member for 50 years. He organized and was elected president several times for the Lanier Men's Garden Club. He was a hospital volunteer at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and was on the board of the Cancer Society. He was a member of the Rotary, Elks and American Legion. He served as an advisory board member of the Hall County 4H Club organization and also served on the NE Georgia Fair board. He was longtime president of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and a member of the County Agents Association and the Georgia Teachers Association. He was a member of the Northeast Georgia History Center and was recognized in the Gainesville Freedom Garden.

Whitey continued with his love for agriculture after retirement by starting the grape industry here in Northeast Georgia and these efforts resulted in the development of the vineyards at Chateu Elan. While known as the "Dancing County Agent", Whirey's love of music was also demonstrated during his performances in his barbershop quartet. In addition, he acted and sang in several Gainesville Theater Alliance productions.

Whitey and his adoring wife of 56 years, Mary, enjoyed traveling all over the world and they escorted tours for more than 25 years.

Whitey's zest for life can best be stated in his own words, "I enjoyed every day of every year and shall always treasure my memories and appreciate the friendships I have with those gone on as well as those who are still here."

Whitey is survived by his wife Mary, daughter. Nancy Ponder of Decatur, GA, sister Nira Longely of Scottsdale, AZ, brothers Julian Butler of Coma, NC, Paul and Nona Butler of Marietta, GA, Bernard and Barbara Butler of Cartersville, GA, sister-in-law Dot Butler of Ormond Beach, FL, and many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Gainesville's "Third Century Campaign", 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Little-Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.