- Date Of Birth: August 27, 1943
- Date Of Death: March 19, 2014
- State: Florida
Robert Lee Butler, Sr., 70
Naturalist Artist
Lakeland – World renowned artist, Robert Lee Butler, Sr., 70, died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, as a result of complications of diabetes.
Mr. Butler was born August 27, 1943 in Baxley, GA. He and his family moved to Okeechobee in 1947 and then to Lakeland in 1979. He was a classic American artist who began his career in the late 1960’s as one of “The Highwaymen,” a group of very talented African-American artists who sold their work from door to door and on roadsides. He went on to become one of the most renowned naturalist painters in the world. His work is prominently displayed in art museums, government buildings, colleges and private collections throughout America.
Mr. Butler was preceded in death by his beloved sons, David and Michael Butler. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dorothy Butler; sons, Robert Lee Butler, Jr., Daniel Ray Butler and his wife, Betty, Samuel Butler and Timothy Butler; daughters, Dorene Butler-Bennett and her husband, Maurice, Aletha Ann Butler and Angela Lee Butler; several grandchildren to include, Xavier Butler Underwood, Autumn Nicole Butler, Christopher Butler, Titus Butler and Jerrod Butler; and many other devoted family members and dear friends.
