Jerry Lynn Butler, passed from this Earth to his Heavenly home on July 19, 2023. Jerry was born on September 17, 1948, in Kennett, Missouri, to the late Alton and Nelle Butler, he was the oldest of three children. He was preceded in death by: his parents and his brother, Michael Todd Butler. Jerry was a member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida where his father, Dr. Alton Butler, served as the pastor from 1963 to 1993. Jerry attended Belleview Junior High (Middle) School and graduated from Escambia High School in1966. He later earned an Associate of Arts degree from Pensacola Junior College. He proudly served his Country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War at Fort Gordon Army Hospital in North Augusta, South Carolina. After his military service ended, Jerry returned to Pensacola where he worked for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at Pensacola Naval Air Station until his retirement in 2007. Jerry loved the Lord, and his faith was demonstrated through his friendly, positive nature. He loved getting to know people and believed a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met. Thanks to his terrific sense of direction, he never got lost when driving and knew every back road. Even as a child he remembered every street and turn, and often gave directions to his parents when traveling in their car. Jerry loved to watch sports, especially baseball. He could remember the stats of his favorite teams and loved to talk about their games. He always believed the best in others and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. He was a kind-hearted and generous person. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Paula Butler; daughter Leah Butler; sons Alan Butler, (Tacoma, Washington) and Jason, Whited (Nevada); grandchildren Bianka Butler, Giana Butler, and Clyde Butler; sister Melinda Butler Mayo (Wally), (Roanoke, Virginia); sister-in-law Mari Butler, (Morrisville, North Carolina); nephew Ryan Butler, (Fort Myers, Florida); and niece Alissa Butler, (Morrisville, North Carolina); brother-in-law, Jess Cochran (Brenda) (Tryon, Nebraska); sister-in-law Sammie Bland (Dave) (Custer, South Dakota); and brother-in-law Jamie Cochran (Heather) (Mesa, Arizona). A private celebration of life ceremony to remember Jerry will be held with immediate family members at a later date. Cremation is under the direction and care of Holden Cremation and Funeral Service, Sparta, Missouri.