John Elliott Butler, 86, of Madison Heights, Virginia, passed away on September 7, 2026. He was the son of the late George Elliott Butler and Effie Pearl Pyles Butler.

John was born on November 15, 1939, in Pikeville, KY. He attended school at Fork Union Military Academy, then joined the US Army 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After serving in the Army, John worked in numerous businesses but was mostly self-employed.

John was a member of Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church and enjoyed working on old cars, tinkering & talking to everyone he met.

John is survived by his wife Frances Taylor Butler: children, Vicki Hensley (Michael) and Cynthia Butler; grandchildren, Lori B. Cox, Eric Beard, Joseph, Daniel and Ryan Ramsey, Chelsey Butler and Matthew Ogden; siblings, Georgia Bowers of Iron Gate, VA and Loretta Bradley of Tennessee; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by eight siblings: Edward, Louise, Mary Ellen, Harriett, Martha, Frank, Charles Allen, and Sylvia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity or local humane society.

Per John’s wishes there will be no funeral services. Interment will be at Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church in Steeles Tavern, VA at a later date.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.