John Martin Butts, born on August 22, 1949, in Shorter, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025. John was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and his life was enriched by a variety of passions and hobbies. He was an avid reader, a skilled
billiards player, and a dedicated coin collector. He also enjoyed music, chess, backgammon, spades, bid whist, football, basketball, bowling, sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Butts; mother, Charlotte Carter Butts; grandfather, John-Henry Butts; great-uncle, Tommy Butts; grandmother, Annie Butts(John Henry); uncles,Jimmy Butts (Maetta) and Rayfield Butts (Bobbie); aunts, Rosa Reed (Fredrick), Cora Smith (Jones), and Birdell West (Donald); brother, Melvin C. Butts; and great-granddaughter, Trinitee Williams.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn Butts; his children Ithaca, Charles, and Deana Butts; grandchildren, Justin and Joshua Williams, and Luciana Butts; great-grandchildren, Josiah and Jeremiah Williams; brothers James and Marvin Butts (Dhalma); sister M. Anne Butts; and sister-in-law, Virginia Butts. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends including William Chennault, Arnold (Geraldine) Elston, Ruthie Sampson (Doug), and Jimmy Smith (Alice); god-sisters, Gwen Lawton and Patricia Harrelson-Ali and god-daughters AshleyBingham Jones and Helen Coaston held special places in his heart. John's vibrant personality and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.