Warner Butters, age 75 and a long-time resident of Brentwood/Franklin, TN died May 20, 2015 with his wife Sandy and oldest son Grigory by his side. He is also survived by his three other children, Mary Brackett (Carl), Joanna Amato (Chris), and Bradley Butters as well as 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and other loving family members.

A celebration of Warner’s life will be held at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home Saturday, May 23 at 3pm. Visitation will also be there Friday from 6-8p. Absolutely no flowers but memorials may be made to Fellowship Bible Church – Warner Butters Peru Ministry (1210 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027) or Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203).

Warner was a true follower of Jesus and leader of people. He was known for his quick, dry, sense of humor and storytelling. Friends and family described him as adventuresome, a child at heart, compassionate, discerning, funny, humble, inventive, loving, playful, pragmatic, smart, strategic, strong, stubborn, tender-hearted, wise. He was a student of life, enjoying learning by observing other people and situations.

The accomplishments that gave Warner the most pleasure were those where God allowed him to be a part of Fellowship Bible Church’s ministry in Peru with their ministry partner, the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) Church. He was especially invested and passionate about helping people rise out of spiritual and economic poverty through a partnership between Hope International, the Locker Room and the CMA church in Comas, Peru.

Growing up on a farm and buffalo range, Warner’s first job at age 5 was driving their tractor. He was always the entrepreneur. His professional career began in the management training program at the Ford Motor Company. While in graduate school, Warner was a college and high school teacher. Warner then became assistant administrator at Arkansas Children’s Hospital before beginning his long term year management career at HCA.

Born on July 9, 1939 in Coldwater, Michigan, Warner was the son of Ed and Marian (Warner) Butters, both preceding him in death. Also preceding him in death are his four siblings Loris May Butters Waxworth, Gloria Jean Butters Brooks, Joellen Butters and Bradley Clare Butters.

Warner first attended a one room country school then graduated from Coldwater High School (Michigan). He attended Kalamazoo College and then in 1957 transferred to the University of Hawaii to be part of its historical celebration in becoming the 50th state. He obtained his BA in Economics and Math at the University of Michigan. In 1971 he received his MS in Biology and Chemistry from Eastern Michigan University.