Courtland – Lt. Charles Allen Butler, Sr., 70, passed away February 18, 2024 at the Consulate Health Care of Windsor after a long battle with Alzheimer's.  Born on June 26, 1953 in Franklin, Virginia, he was a son of the late Harry C. Butler, Jr. and Kathleen Cobb Butler.

Charles was a 1971 graduate of Franklin High School. All of his teenage years, he dreamed of becoming a police officer; in 1974, at the age of 21, he met his lifelong goal. He proudly served the City of Franklin Police Department for 28+ years, achieving the rank of lieutenant, and was also a member of the SWAT team, fearlessly dedicating his life to protect our community. During his free time, he loved hunting and was a longtime member of Sunbeam Hunt Club. He was regarded as a Southampton County historian who loved to read and would share his knowledge with anyone who was interested. He was an expert shooter and firearms instructor who also enjoyed being part of Tucker's Naval Brigade skirmish team, bringing together his interest in guns and history. Charles was a member of the High Street United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are: Mary Lee Butler; his daughters, Angela Bell (Anthony) and Cathy Pittman (Chris); a son, Charles "Allen" Butler, Jr. (Crystal); six grandchildren: Katherine "Katie" and Anthony "Ty" Bell, Charlee Paige and Bailey Pittman, Audrey and Corey Butler; his sisters: Joyce Blythe (Fred), Judy Bailey (Wayne), Phyllis Metcalf (Jerry); his brother, Harry C. "Buster" Butler, III; nieces and nephews: Lori Burgess (Johnny), Charles David Blythe (Suzanne), Chris Bailey (Jennifer), Travis Butler, Ashley and BJ Bunch; and great nieces and nephews: Madeline Pitsenbarger (Ethan), Tyler Burgess (Nicole), Jessica Butler, and Owen Bailey.

A celebration of life will be held at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Randy Wright officiating. A reception will follow at Fred's Restaurant at 107 S. Main Street. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Alzheimer's Association, the Franklin Animal Shelter, the FPD firing range that he helped build, or a favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org