Maurice Butler, age 76, of Rocky Point passed peacefully to his Heavenly home on Friday, June 12, 2009 at his residence. He went to join his beloved wife, Margaret, and other loved ones that have gone before him.

He was born July 5, 1932 in Columbus County, the son of the late Theodore Roosevelt and Hazel Bledson Butler. Maurice was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Edwards Butler.

Surviving are his devoted family: children, Kay Bowden (Roger), Nancy Yopp (George), Ronald Butler (Becky) all of Rocky Point and David Butler of Southport; grandchildren, Allen Bowden (Caryn), Dean Walker (Angela), Daniel Bowden (Mary Beth), Chris Butler, Kenny Butler (Robin), Tony Butler (Tina), Christian Butler, Kyle Miller and Baylon Miller; fourteen great grandchildren; brother, Boyd Butler (Iva Lee0 of Granite City, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Butler was a faithful Sunday school superintendant and lay minister at Homestead Pentecostal Holiness Church. Maurice was a man of God who always lived his life according to his Christian beliefs and set an excellent example for his children, grandchildren and everyone who knew him. His family was his greatest joy and his love for them knew no bounds. His kind heart, soft spoken manner, gentle spirit and his beloved smile will forever be cherished and remembered.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Ray Faircloth officiating.

Burial will be in Seagate Cemetery in Wilmington.

Casketbearers will be Chris Butler, Dean Walker, Allen Bowden, Tony Butler, Kenny Butler, Daniel Bowden, Christian Butler, Kyle Miller and Baylor Miller, grandsons of Maurice Butler. Honorary bearers will be Caitlyn Bowden, Patrick Bowden, John Hockabout and Lauren Sevrence, great grandchildren of Maurice Butler.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and at other times was at the home of Nancy and George Yopp.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw, NC.