APRIL 19, 1948 – JULY 27, 2026
In the Care of Laird Funeral Home
Joseph Eugene Butters, 78, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 27th, 2026. He was born on April 19th, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He dedicated much of his working life to serving others as a firefighter and paint contractor. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Joe lived his faith with humility, compassion, and a servant’s heart. Whether caring for his family, helping a neighbor, or encouraging a friend, he believed his greatest purpose was to love others as Christ loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara “Suzie” Butters, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion. His greatest priority was always making sure Suzie was cared for, and his unwavering love for her was evident to everyone who knew them.
Joe is also survived by his loving daughter, Monica, and son-in-law, Rodney Sigler; his cherished grandchildren, Chance, Stormie, Hallie, Reese and her husband, Jackson; his treasured great-grandsons, Blake and Walker Verdugo; and other beloved family members.
He is survived by his sister, Jean Wells, and her husband, Jimmy, along with their family: Judi, Wyatt, Randall, and Whitney. He is also survived by his brother, David Butters.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Eria Mae Butters, and by his brothers, Bill, Bobby, and Lee Butters.
To know Joe was to know laughter. His infectious laugh could brighten any room, and his sense of humor brought smiles to countless faces. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether someone needed advice, a meal, a favor, or simply someone to listen, Joe was there without hesitation. Giving to others wasn’t just something he did—it was simply who he was.
Family was the center of Joe’s world. You could always find him in the stands cheering on his daughter and, later, his grandchildren at every performance and competition, whether they were twirling, cheering, powerlifting, playing football, or showing livestock. He never missed an opportunity to support the people he loved, and he would travel any distance just to spend time with his family. His greatest joy was seeing those he loved grow in both life and faith.
Some of his happiest memories were made during summers at the beach, surrounded by family, cooking meals for everyone, telling funny stories, and creating moments that will be treasured forever. Around Joe’s table, everyone was family, and every gathering was another opportunity to share laughter, encouragement, and God’s goodness.
Joe will be remembered for his generous heart, his unwavering devotion to his family and friends, and his willingness to help anyone in need. As an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church, he faithfully served the Lord by encouraging others, praying with them, and living out the Gospel through everyday acts of kindness. His life was a testimony that faith is best shown by the way we love others.
His legacy lives on in the family he adored and in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ and healed.
If Joe could leave one final message, it would be this: Share the love of Christ in everything you do, pray sincerely for others, love deeply, laugh often, take care of one another, and never miss an opportunity to spend time with the people you love.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned soon. An update on that will be posted on Laird’s site. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations be made to their church, First Baptist in Nacogdoches or your favorite charity in honor of him.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Eugene Butters, please vist Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.