Paul Mitchell Butts passed away Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Westbury Medical Rehabilitation in Jackson, Georgia, after a brief illness.
A memorial service for Paul will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service at Gray Memorial Chapel, 4378 Gray Highway, Gray, GA 31032.
The Rev.’s Danny Mundy and Jason Dillard will officiate. Interment will follow at Arnoldsville Cemetery, Arnoldsville at 3:30 p.m.
Paul was born on Oct. 2, 1934, to the late Paul Nesbit and Frances Dillard Butts in Arnoldsville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Elizabeth Butts, brothers, John Butts and Dan Butts, sister Ann Mewborne, and son-in-law Mark Williams.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Paul was a member of Gray Methodist Church. He spoke fondly of his time he spent stationed in Iceland.
Paul was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in forestry. In later life, he became an avid Bulldog fan. He retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission with 34 years of service.
Paul and Mary Elizabeth, as parents, will always be remembered for their supportive, involved, caring nature. They, together, traveled extensively to all 50 states. Paul was an avid history buff and genealogist who enjoyed sharing his knowledge. Paul was on the Jonesco Academy of Board of Trustees.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Susan and her children, Allie Williams and David (Melissa) Williams, and great-grandchild Josie Williams, sister Virginia (Melvin) Fleming, brother Edward Butts, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Paul Butts family.
You may register your condolences at graymemorcalchapel.com.