- Date Of Birth: October 11, 1935
- Date Of Death: December 6, 2015
- State: Alabama
Lee Willie Butler made his joyous arrival into this world on October 11, 1935, in Florence, AL, to the late Leamon and Endia Butler, joining Elnora, Louise, Mimmie, Wylodene, Anthony, Willie, and Elizabeth. He transitioned to his eternal resting place in the early hours of Sunday, December 6, 2015. Realizing that man cannot live alone, he confessed Christ as his personal savior at an early age and joined the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Florence, AL.
Lee graduated from Burrell Normal School located in Florence, AL, in 1955. Following a stint in the United States Air Force that ended with an honorable discharge on March 26, 1962, Lee enrolled in college at Alabama A & M university in Huntsville, AL. He received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1964. He was awarded a Master’s in Education and a Type 75 Endorsement in Educational Leadership from Governors State University, University Park, IL, in 1981. While in undergraduate school, Lee was initiated into the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity , Incorporated. In 2013, he became a 50-year member of the organization.
He began his professional career as a mathematics teacher at the former Choctaw County Training School, Lisman, AL, in September 1964. After two years, he moved to Selma, AL, and worked as an accountant for a federally funded community development project, Southwest Alabama Farmer’s Co-Op.
Lee was united in marriage on December 21, 1969, to Dr. Rose M. Hayes, at Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church in Wayne County, Mississippi. During their 12-year marriage, a daughter, Tracy Leneen, was born. Tracy died in infancy.
Lee relocated to Chicago, IL, in 1969 after marriage and began a 34-year career with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). During his rewarding career with CPS, Lee held positions as a mathematics teacher, District 299 work-study coordinator, and high school assistant principal. He loved teaching and was a gifted mathematician. He received many awards and other accolades during his storied career with CPS. After his retirement, Lee worked part-time as an independent tax agent. In this new career, he developed an impressive client list and worked with the same enthusiasm that had earned him respect as an educator. He actively worked in his new-found profession until his health failed him.
Lee loved working, traveling, and playing bid whiz. Las Vegas, New Orleans, and The Bahamas were favorite vacation spots.
Lee was proceded in death by his parents, Leamon and Endia, as well as his siblings, Elnora Butler, Louise Garner, Mimmie Rowell, Wylodene Williams, Anthony Butler, and Willie Butler.
