Ronald Clark Butler

RALEIGH- Ronald Clark Butler died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 9, 2018. He was born December 14, 1933 in Tarboro, NC to Willie Peyton Butler and Lillian Clark Butler. He attended Tarboro High School and gained recognition as a leader and multifaceted athlete. He excelled in baseball, football, basketball and achieved the distinguished vote of Most Athletic in his senior year. Ron also served as the Student Council President. Ron graduated from East Carolina University and went on to get his masters degree in Education at the University of North Carolina. He married his high school sweetheart Billie, in 1956 and began his career as an Educator. Ron spent his entire 41 - year career in the field of education; served on the Raleigh School Board for several years. Eight years at Needham Broughton and Enloe High Schools, five years at Florida International University, and 28 years at North Carolina State University. During the last 20 years of his career, through his speeches, seminars and workshops, he assisted students, staff and numerous business, education, government, religious and civic organizations to understand the fundamental concepts and principles associated with leadership success. While at North Carolina State University, Ron created The Leadership Development Series, which continues today producing outstanding student leaders and recognizing leadership accomplishments through The Ronald C. Butler Scholarship. He lived and enthusiastically practiced, “Leadership is your most important influence!” Anyone who knew Ron, knew he had a passion for B Western Movies. His love for the B Westerns started when he was a young boy and his Uncle Lynn took him every Saturday to see a shoot ‘um up movie! As a result of his love for B Western Movies, he was instrumental in starting the B Western Preservation Society, which he attended faithfully and worked with the Director to coordinate events, monthly newsletters and meetings. His favorite cowboy was Lash LaRue, whom he was finally able to meet during a B Western Convention. Most people remember Ron for his vim, vigor and vitality – otherwise known as Spizzerinctum. He internalized the word, Spizzerinctum, and its meaning and became consciously aware of his will to succeed and the key to his future success in leadership and life in general. This led him to write and publish his book, “Spizzerinctum Speaks out on Leadership Success” in 2001. Most importantly, Ron was a Christian man. He dedicated his life to God and distinguished himself as a true example of Christ in every aspect. For more than 50 years, he taught Sunday school, served on church board and sang in the choir. While attending ECU, Ron lead a successful youth ministry at his home church in Tarboro. He was a Bible teacher who taught us how to apply Christianity to everyday living. At the appointment of his cousin, Wiley Clark, Ron was instrumental in the naming and opening of New Life Christian Adoptions, a ministry of Falcon Childrens Home. Because of his countless hours of pushing through endless red tape of licensure, the agency continues today as a vibrant resource for families across many communities. Ron was recognized and greatly respected for his keen mind, understanding of the scripture, and always leading with a positive example and outlook towards the future. With Billie at his side in ministry, he took every challenge as an opportunity, and together they touched lives in every church they attended. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Billie Morris Butler and his daughters; Rhonda Butler of Morrisville, Andrea Ryder and her husband Brian Ryder of Cary. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Evelyn Rosenkoetter of Tarboro. The family extends their appreciation for the excellent care provided by Bond Park Total Life Center (Fredricia Phelps and the Total Life team), The Oaks at Mayview (Michael Conte and the Mayview team), Transitions Hospice Team (Dr. William Dunlap, Candy Moore, Maggie Usher and Lori Garcia) and Transitions Life Care Facility Team. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018, with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. at The Capital Church, 1308 Hwy 70 W, Garner, NC 27529. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org If you are unable to attend the service, and would like to watch it live, please go to https://www.thecapitalchurch.org/media at 2pm EST Sat July 14, 2018.