Charles Russell Butner, 84 of Nesbit, MS, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 12 ^th , 2021.  He was born to the late Robert E. Butner and Bonnie Russell Butner on October 4 ^th , 1936, in Ripley, Tennessee.

Charles graduated from Ripley High School in 1956 where he was active in the FFA serving as president his senior year. He worked at The Lauderdale County Enterprise as a pressman prior to entering the food service business.  After decades of specializing in the meat industry he retired from Quality Foods as a Meat Specialist. He loved to travel and teach in the food service industry, always willing to help.

As a teenager Charles played guitar in The Butner Band with his father, aunt, and cousins. On Saturday mornings in 1955 they were featured on the Ripley radio station WTRB. He married his high school sweetheart Elizabeth Jeanette Smith on June 3 ^rd , 1956. Together they shared the love of music, playing guitar and piano for many years. They were married for 62 years when she went to be with the Lord on November 9 ^th , 2018.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Christine B. Ammons, and granddaughter, Jennifer M. Miller.  Left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Terry L. Butner of Louisville, KY; and Sharon M. Hammons (Don) of Nesbit, MS; grandchildren, Matthew C. Butner (Melissa) of Granger, IN; and Jeremy R. Butner of Memphis, TN; and great-grandchildren, Carly A. Campbell (Josh) of Mantee, MS; and Ruby, Clark, and Agnes Butner of Granger, IN.

Visitation to be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home East: 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN 38133 on Wednesday, March 10 ^th , from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Due to Covid-19 seating is limited and masks are required. Immediately following, a graveside service will be held at Hinds Chapel Church Cemetery: 4866 Fogg Road, Nesbit, MS 38651.