Remembering A King

Solomon “King “ Butler

Beginning life’s journey on Friday, May 4, 1934, in Opelika, Alabama, Solomon was the eighth child born to Dock and Elizabeth Thomas Butler.

As a young man, he met the love of his life, Minnie Henry.  These two would wed June 1956 and relocate to Knoxville, Tennessee.  The newlyweds would make Knoxville their home while raising their five children and becoming a part of the Clinton Chapel AME Zion church family.  Solomon loved his church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and an integral member of the Men’s Ministry.  His servitude was not limited in any capacity whereas he cheerfully and willingly gave financial support to every church project. 

At home, he spent hours upon hours studying and comprehending God’s holy word.  He loved sharing bible verses and talking about how our Savior has been so good to him.  He often said, “When this life is over, I’m going home to be with the Lord.” 

Solomon was highly respected and loved in his community. As he done everything in his life, he took pride in keeping things looking nice, especially his yard. He was recognized for “Best Looking Yard” in his neighborhood.

“King” was a Christian man, although short in stature, but was tall in his spiritual and earthly walk of life. 

Completing life’s journey on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Beverly Park Place in Knoxville, Tennessee, the last of Dock and Lizzie’s children.

Those who met him at the pearly gates were his beloved wife, Minnie Henry Butler; three sons, Curtis, Richard and Terry Bulter; his parents; brothers, Robert and Johnie Butler; sisters, Luella McBath, Jessie Butler King, Georgia Love Bell, Estella Williams and Essie Mae Colquitt.

His memory will be cherished by his only surviving son, Johnny Butler; daughter, Joyce Butler Echols; three grandchildren, Gregory Glasgow, O’Brian Scott and Pennastina Butler; eleven grandchildren; a host of other family and friends in Alabama and Tennessee.