Basil E Butler Jr. “Sonny” age 89 of Beebe passed away peacefully Saturday April 1, 2023, at his home with family by his side. Basil was born March 26, 1934, in Little Rock, AR to Basil and Dennis Butler. He graduated from Little Rock High School and Little Rock Jr. College.
Basil worked extremely hard all his life and was successful in a variety of pursuits. He served in the U.S. Army becoming a First Sergeant (E7) in the 204th Dental Division. Basil was a dedicated member of the Shriners and Masons for over 50 years. Basil started a construction company after the Army and built many houses in the Leawood and Little Rock area. He also had an asphalt company- Pavers Inc. and a steel building business. Basil spent several years at Western Hills Country Club managing the course and club house. He worked into his 70’s running large construction jobs across the state and region for Champion Construction Management, Inc.
Basil had several interests when he was not working. He enjoyed duck and quail hunting. He was a competitive trap shooter winning several awards in state trap shooting competitions. He also loved RVing and playing golf with family and friends. One of his greatest accomplishments was learning to fly an airplane and obtaining his commercial pilot license. Through his friendship with DW Richards, Basil developed a love for riding and racing motorcycles in his 30’s. As with most things in his life, he went after his love of motorcycling full bore. He became recognized as a national caliber enduro rider. In 1968 he competed for the USA in San Pellegrino, Italy in the International Six Day Trial which is often referred to as the Olympics of road racing. Along with his enduro racing he loved flat track racing and raced all over the country.
Basil was the life of the party and loved hosting fish frys for his many friends and family. He enjoyed meeting people on his many travels and never met a stranger.
Of all Basil’s activities he considered being active and involved in his children’s various sports and activities throughout the years his most memorable moments. Basil lived life to the fullest and there will never be another like him.
Basil is preceded in death by his parents Basil Sr. and Dennis, daughter Bonnie Butler, brother Jerry Butler and Ann Butler.
Continuing to cherish his memories is his wife Belinda Butler, daughter Sharon (Mark) Estes, sons Keith (Kim) Butler, Paul (Katherine) Denton, Kyle (Mandy) Thompson, Wesley (Kirsti) Taylor, and Colton Taylor.
Grandchildren Kristin Butler, Emily Estes, Michael (Julia) Butler, Trip Denton, Macy Denton and Landry Denton, Anna Thompson, Rowen Taylor and Ellerie Taylor.
Special friends included as family Tommie Sue Butler, Madison Luck and Debra Taylor.
Celebration of Life will be Saturday April 8, 2023 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Rolling Hills Country Club Cabot AR.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
24 Comments
I always thought he was larger than life. The world will not be the same. Every time we would go out, someone would know him and yell ” Hey Basil”. I will miss him
Thank you Larry. Basil was larger then life. We were blessed.
You were a good friend to him,
We are sorry for the loss of Basil Butler. We sent our prayers to all his family and friends. May he rest in peace🙏🙏
I had the pleasure of meeting basil and talking to him on several occasions, He was a great man and lived a very full life. I was glad he became my cousins husband and they lived a good life together as she deserved a great man like Basil.
Stan & I are so sorry about the loss of Basil! He sure was a character & we always enjoyed being around him! Western Hills & at RV outings! He’s with all him buddies in Heaven now! Praying for Belinda & the family! May God comfort you! Love, Sheryl & Stan New
xoxo
Sheryl & Stan
Basil is in heaven with all his “buds”, I can just see them all together. Thank you for your kindness
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha
Thank you
Richards Honda was a big part of the Butler family.
So sorry to learn of Sonny’s death. I’m glad that I got to talk with him at Daddy’s (Harold Balios) funeral. Sonny will be missed.
Thank you
Harold and Dad had many good tines together.
I was saddened to hear of this loss. We were in high school together and shared many friends and interests, though I was a couple years older. I always admired the way Basil took life by the horns and lived it fully. Best regards to his family ,
Thank for your kindness
Thank you. Basil most certainly lived his “best” life.
Thank you
Thank you Don. His high school friends were very important to him.
I am so thankful for having known Basil. He led such an exciting life and had great stories to tell. My heart goes out to his family.
Thank you sweet friend
There was never a dull moment if Basil was around!!
He was a great guy and a good friend to many. He will be missed!! Sincere sympathy to Belinda, his children and their families during this difficult time.
Basil was larger than life. So enjoyed our times at the Springfield Mile. Rest in peace sir.
Thank you Linc. What wonderful memories we had with the Gurleys.
I have all sorts of stories about Sonny. I hunted with him when he went with my father and I. I got to speak to him at the funeral of another friend of ours recently, reminiscing about thing we had done. The world will have a hole in it with his passing.
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