Buell Butler, Lt. Thurman Col. -
Manchester - Lt. Col. Thurman Buell Butler USAF Retired, age 84 of Manchester, TN passed away Friday, February 13, 2009 following an extended illness. He was born on December 7, 1924 the son of Thurman A. Butler and Connie A. Butler. He was 17 years old on Pearl Harbor Day Dec. 7, 1941. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the Army Air Corps which later became the United States Air Force. He was called for duty in July 1943, after finishing his cadet training and commissioned a 2nd lieutenant, he was assigned duty to teach other future cadets. As a career officer, he served his country at many Air Force Bases in many states as a Command Pilot, Fighter Pilot and Test Pilot. Besides being based in so many different states including the Pentagon, he served tours of duty including Guam, the Philippines, Japan, Laos, England, Germany, Scotland and South Korea. After many years as a fighter pilot he was transferred to the Strategic Air Command and became bomber pilot in the Korean War. He retired from the Air Force in 1975 after 32 years. During his service re received many distinguished awards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Billy Alexander Butler, and his niece, Tina Butler Lowe. He is survived by sisters Polly Butler Cuzzort and Peggy Butler Rhodes and their children Claudia Cuzzort Ryan, Nancy Cuzzort Thessing, Judy Rhodes Allen and Jeff Butler Rhodes. He is also survived by Billy€™s children Leah Butler Bradshaw, Billy A. Butler and Dawn Butler Willmore and several great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Air Force Memorial, Washington D.C., and to the American Heart Association. Family received friends at the visitation on Saturday February 14, 2009 from 5:00 €“ 8:00 pm. Graveside service was held on Sunday February 15 at 2:00 PM at the Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. COFFEE COUNTY FUNERAL CHAPEL IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
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Coffee County Funeral Chapel786 McMinnville Hwy
Manchester, TN 37355
(931) 723-3330
http://www.coffeecountyfuneralchapel.com/