Randolph “Randy” Butler

Randolph “Randy” Butler, 79, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at home March 5, 2023. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Blair Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia. The service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at First Baptist Church in Wortham, with interment following at Wortham Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Bud Ainsworth, Dan Bateman, Chad Partain, Kyle Partain, Steve Partain, Dr. Dean McNeel, Scott Spencer and Phil Holler. The deacons at FBC in Wortham will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Randy was born in Dallas to Billy and Maxine (Anderson) Butler on Dec. 14, 1943. He grew up in Wortham with his three sisters. He spent his younger years working cattle, frog-gigging and playing sports. He graduated from Wortham High School in 1962. During this time, he developed a love for agriculture and education through his involvement in FFA. He briefly attended Navarro College and North Texas before meeting and marrying his first wife.

In 1968, Randy began his first career as a game warden with Texas Parks and Wildlife in Lufkin. After several years, Randy had the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and in 1972 he accomplished his lifelong dream of graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural education. 

After earning his degree, he began his career in education, which, he would tell you, was his true calling. He later obtained a master’s degree in administration from Stephen F. Austin State University. Through his 30-plus years in education, he served as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent, making lifelong friends and touching the lives of many students who still refer to him as Coach Butler.

After retirement in 2000, Randy enjoyed traveling in his motorhome and getting together with friends to play card games as often as possible. Randy had numerous favorite camping locations, but none could top the memories made over the last two decades at the annual summer camping trip to Beavers Bend State Park. During these trips, he often led the group in a Sunday service complete with the Lord’s Supper.

In 2010, he met and married Karyl Baker Butler. In addition to enjoying life with Karyl, he also earned a new title in 2010 that would prove to be one of his most cherished – a grandfather. Randy devoted much of his time to his five grandchildren, who called him Poppa. He rarely missed a little league game, piano recital or special event. Over the last several years, he and Karyl enjoyed escaping the Texas heat by spending their summers in Tin Cup, Colo.

Randy had a great love for serving others, but there was nothing he loved more than his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If there were any message that Randy would want to share with those remembering him, it would be the message of Salvation.  

Randy is survived by his wife, Karyl; children, Rhett Butler of Wortham, Katie Allen and husband Clif of Fairfield and Lauren York and husband John of Wortham; and five grandchildren, Anna, Emma, Isaac Allen and Brock and Barrett York. He also leaves behind sisters, Kathie Partain and husband Steve of Fairfield and Billie McNeel of Rogers, Ark., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Barham Butler; sister, Charlotte McKinney; and parents, Billy and Maxine Butler. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Randy Butler Scholarship fund at any Farmers State Bank location or mailed to 360 W. Commerce St, Fairfield, TX 75840.

Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook