Obituary: Drew Kendall Butler

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Carolyn Butler of Ocoee, and they surely welcomed him with open arms.

Born in Orlando, Drew lived most of his life in Ocoee. He was an avid fisherman and loved to golf. He was an outstanding baseball player. He always said some of the best times of his life were spent on a baseball field. His 1979 year of Warrior Varsity Baseball included very special times with special people who were in his heart always. 

His love of the game eventually led him to coaching Little League, where he helped shape countless young lives. Just being outdoors made him happy. He never met a stranger and had one of the kindest hearts around. His battle with melanoma fortified his faith, and his desire was that his journey be an education and encouragement to others about the dangers of skin cancer.

Drew is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Julie Jackson Butler; two children, Jackson Kendall and Justin Carter; sister, Kim (Frank) Morris; brothers, Davy ( Lisa) Butler and Kevin (Joanna) Butler; lifelong friend, Jeff Whitehead; adoring in-laws, Joyce and Larry McWilliams; aunts, uncles, cousins and many nieces and nephews, including Kelton Butler, who was one of his favorite fishing buddies.

Visitation will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, with a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Both will take place at First United Methodist Church Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Drew’s honor to either the Ocoee High School Drama Troupe #6893, 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee, Florida 34761; or the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund, checks made out to First United Methodist Church and designated JCCF, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

Please visit AimatMelanoma.org to learn more about Melanoma.

Services entrusted to Collison Carey-Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.