Richard Brian Butler passed away on November 16, 2025. He was born in Winston-Salem on May 16, 1959. He was the son of Jesse Lewis Butler and Esidora M. Butler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Paul F.  Butler. He is survived by his sisters, Diane L. Harvey (Kevin), and Ellen B. Hancox (Scott); his nieces, Sarah H. Sen (Suman), Laura K. Hancox and nephew Luke A. Hancox (Willene); great-nephews, Neel and Kabir Sen and his beloved first cousins, Mark, David, Cecily, Matthew, Paul, Rita, John, Marian, Gloria, Eddie, John Pierre, Fred, Gail, Kim, Michael, Amy, Danny, and Darryl.

Richard graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia and attended George Mason University. During college, he obtained his private and commercial pilot’s license. After college, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for almost ten years, attaining the rank of Captain. He did his flight training for helicopters in Ft. Rucker, Alabama, then served at Patrick AFB, Florida, Kadena AFB in Okinawa, and Hill AFB in Utah. After completing his military service, he worked as a contractor on different government contracts.

Richard will be remembered for his love of adventure and travel. He grew up during the time of Astronauts, and military air shows.   He loved flying and he was always happiest flying anywhere and everywhere. One of his great memories was flying helicopter one for one of the space shuttle mission when he was stationed at Patrick AFB.

We will miss those special times when he entertained us with his stories and filled the room with his big laughs.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 104 E. John Street, Clinton, N.C. 28328. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am until 10:45 am. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.