George "Sim" Simeon Butler

Marion, NC

George Simeon “Sim” Butler of Marion, N.C., died on Nov. 4, 2022, at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, N.C. He was 83 years old.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on November 8, 2022 at Roseboro Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 AM on November 8, 2022 at Butler Funeral Home in Roseboro.

A memorial service in Marion will follow at a date to be announced.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Sim enjoyed a long career in the packaging industry, first at Rexham Corporation in Greensboro, N.C., and later at Etta Packaging and Laird Corporation in Marion.

Sim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a quiet, generous, and gentle presence in his family, his church, and his community. The son of Carmen and Loré Royal Butler, he was born and raised in Roseboro, N.C., where he met the love of his life, his wife, Evelyn. As a young man, he was an avid ham radio operator, making contacts with other enthusiasts around the world. An ardent supporter of the arts, Sim spent much time traveling around the state, and the country, with Evelyn to enjoy cultural opportunities including theater and orchestra concerts.

Sim also loved bluegrass music; he regularly attended music festivals, rarely missing an opportunity to spend a weekend in April at Merlefest in Wilkesboro. A longtime Carolina season ticket holder, Sim enjoyed traveling to Chapel Hill to cheer on the Tarheels in home football and basketball games. As much as he enjoyed leisure pursuits, Sim was also a devoted worker who served in positions at CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care and H&R Block after his official retirement. As a volunteer, he served as treasurer of Foothills Community Theater and as a trustee, secretary/treasurer, and chairman of the board of McDowell Hospital.

Sim was a member of First Baptist Church of Marion, where he served as a deacon and taught a popular adult Sunday school class for years.

Sim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn, his sister, Gail (Wayne) Cannady, his children, George Butler, Robert (Sarah) Butler, and Ann Carmen (Jeff) Zivan, and his seven grandchildren, Isabel Butler, Emma Butler, Sam Zivan, Kate Butler, Jack Zivan, Sim Butler, and Zoe Butler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sim’s honor be made to CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care and First Baptist Church of Marion.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC 28382.