Alton Ray "Rusty" Butler, age 81, of Atkinson, after years of declining health, left this life for a better one on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC.

He was born June 12, 1939 in Pender County, the son of Joseph Cleveland and Bessie Sherman Butler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Allen Butler; brothers, J.C. Butler, Jr. and Herbert Lee Butler; and sisters, Margaret Butler Bostic and Josephine Butler Adams.

Better known as "Rusty," it can be truthfully said that he lived life to the fullest. He was a master brick mason, owning his own company until his retirement in 2003. He taught and trained many young men in the brick mason trade including his grandson, Allen, who now owns his own masonry business and is carrying on the quality work Rusty demanded. In addition, Jeremy owns a successful landscaping business and follows the same work ethic his granddad taught him. Rusty was a member of Caswell Presbyterian Church in Atkinson and he also loved the outdoors where he enjoyed his special place on Moore Hill.

Rusty is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Ward Butler; daughters, Marjorie B. Craver and Janet B. Hare; grandsons, Allen E. Butler, Jeremiah C. Butler, and Truman A. Hare; granddaughters, Sarah H. Greene (Ricky), and Erica H. Martin (Randy); one great granddaughter, the apple of everyone's eye, Makinlee Greene; as well and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be 1:00 p.m, Friday, December 18 at Point Caswell Baptist Church Cemetery in Atkinson, with the Rev. Butler Anderson, Rev. Billy Moore, and Rev. Randa Scott conducting the service.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Rusty's memory may be made to Caswell Presbyterian Church, PO Box 189, Atkinson, NC 28421.