E.L. Butterworth
June 12, 1938 – October 1, 2022
Elmer Lafayette Butterworth, Jr., “E.L.”, 84, of Richmond, VA went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 1, 2022. E.L. was born on June 12, 1938, in Bristol, VA to Lucille Gobble and Elmer Lafayette Butterworth, Sr. He is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Wiley Butterworth; his sister, Shirley Honaker; and granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth Butterworth.
E.L. is survived by his caring and loving wife of 64 years, Betty; son, Chris (Carol); son, Ethan (Melanie); granddaughter, Allie Strouse (Brad); grandson, Conner (Kristin); grandson, Tyler; and granddaughter, Kaylee as well as his four great-grandchildren: Stella, Madison, Mason, and Ezra.
As a man of God, E.L. was a faithful member of Seventh Street Christian Church where he served as Deacon, Elder, and Board Chairman.
Growing up, E.L. was known to his family as “Sonny.” He attended East Tennessee State University and graduated from Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), now Virginia Commonwealth University, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1961.
After graduation, E.L. worked at Virginia Employment Commission and Junior Achievement. In 1970, he moved his family to Auburn, AL to open Butterworth’s Bar-B-Q. Following their move to Auburn, E.L. was rarely seen without an Auburn cap. He loved his Auburn Tigers. Later in his career, E.L. worked for the B.T. Crump Company including a relocation back to Richmond, VA as V.P. of Sales and Marketing in 1987. In more recent years, he served as a Richmond tour guide writing numerous historical walking and Segway tours, having named Hollywood Cemetery as his favorite tour.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Seventh Street Christian Church, 4101 Grove Avenue. There will be an 11:00 AM visitation followed by a service at noon. Interment will be held at a later date in Betty and E.L.’s hometown of Bristol, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in E.L.’s name to the Grace Fund, care of Seventh Street Christain Church and/or the Bon Secours Hospice House at 1133 Old Bon Air Road, Richmond, VA 23235 (bsvaf.org)
To all the Butterworth’s!
I met EL at Hollywood Cemetery after one of his tours. His love for people and history grabbed my heart. When he introduced himself I had to ask, are you related to Carol. With the biggest smile and a twinkle in his eye he said, yes! That’s my daughter in law. Connecting that day began years of family celebrations, weddings, and of course Auburn football.
I admired ELs love for his wife and family! One day on Chris and Carols back porch he shared how proud he was as a dad to Ethan and Chris and loved that Allie and Connor went to Auburn. His kind spirit was truly a gift from God. ELs legacy flows deeply through his family and will live on for generations!
Thanks EL for impacting my life as I learned from you.
My sympathy to the family of EL Butterworth. He always had a smile and a wonderful attitude to life. God bless.
EL was a great husband and loved his family. . He loved dancing. His SOUL will live in our Spirits for ever
An American original. ELis a shining example of a positive attitude and a great sense of humor and their impact on relationships. He loved thru laughter, fellowship, and sincere interest in others. EL left behind sweet recollections of relationships, stories, and hugs. One of the first men to tell me he loved me who was not my immediate family.
Raised two Auburn men. Loved a bunch of us.
Memories abound… impacts are lifelong.
Raising a toast to the one and only …. EL
War Eagle forever!
E.L. will be greatly missed. I had the pleasure of getting to know him and Betty through my mother-in-law, Karen, his cousin. I always enjoyed hearing his stories and getting to know him! My extend my deepest sympathies to his family.
I cut EL’s hair! 😁 He was so interesting to talk to. He shared his love of
Richmond’s history & the tours he often led. He talked of his careers, and his adored family. He was such a likable man & I will miss him. His wife Betty is a jewel as well. I send my deepest sympathies to her & their entire family. They were all blessed to have him.
To the the Butterworth family . . I would like to post a comment . I worked in the saddlery industry for many years based in England . I met and worked EL Butterworth many times in the United States on visits and also in England . EL was a fine man ,a gentleman and good to be with .
I would like to pass my commiserations and wishes for your sad loss .
Mike Williams .