In Loving
Memory

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)

Visitation

Location

Seventh Street Christian Church
4101 Grove Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221

Date

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Time

11:00 AM

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Memorial Service

Location

Seventh Street Christian Church
4101 Grove Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221

Date

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Time

Noon

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