Glenn Allen Butler

On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, Dr. Glenn Allen Butler of Gainesville, a beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at UF Health Shands with his daughter by his side. He was born in Braman, Oklahoma to William Ray and Martha Butler, the youngest of 4 children. When he was 4 months old, his mother died of influenza in the epidemic of 1929. His paternal aunt, Mrs. Maude Stephenson and her husband Sam raised him as their own on their farm near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He credited Aunt Maude as being the most influential person in his life. From the farm he went to the University of Oklahoma earning a B.A. in News and Advertising. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1950-53 attaining the rank of Master Sergeant in the 45th Infantry Division. He also served as a medic in a M.A.S.H. unit in the 120th Medical Battalion in Korea and was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and a United Nations Service Medal. He went on to earn two master's degrees in Counseling & Guidance Education and in Journalistic Management. He began his teaching career at Central State College (now University) in Edmond, Oklahoma. After earning his doctorate in education at Oklahoma State University in 1965, Glenn accepted an offer to teach in the College of Journalism at the University of Florida. He was the 1st Chair of the Department of Public Relations 1972-76, Associate Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications 76-82, and Director of Student Services 82-94. In 1992 he was honored as being named a Distinguished Service Professor of Public Relations. After retiring from teaching in 2003 he continued his service with the University of Florida Division of Housing with academic advising and training programs. He lived in a dorm on campus in the Faculty-in-Residence program beginning in 1988. He was able to help countless students through his thoughtful care, assistance, guidance, advice, referral and friendship. In 1999 the UF Division of Housing named the Dr. Glenn Butler Faculty Recognition Award in his honor. He was faculty advisor for the Golden Key International Honour Society for 15 years and was named International Advisor of the Year in 2011. In 2013 The Glenn A. Butler Leadership and Service Award was established in his honor at the University of Florida to be awarded annually to a deserving student. This was in recognition of his 60 years of teaching and service. On October 11, 2013 Gainesville mayor Pegeen Hanrahan proclaimed it Dr. Glenn Butler Day at a ceremony celebrating his final retirement. Glenn is preceded in death by his son, Steven Bennett Butler. He is survived by daughter Suzanna Hinton of Gainesville, daughter-in-law Amy Butler of Ft. White, FL, grandchildren Hannah Hinton, D.A. Hinton (Sarah), Alexander Butler, Nicholas Butler (Virginia) and Maria McKay, and great-grandchildren Julian, Camila, Brianna, Brooke and Brigitte. The family is eternally grateful to faithful friend and caregiver Cesar Pareja for his many years of love and care. Graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday December 1, 2022 at Forest Meadows Cemetery-Central, 4100 N.W. 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL at 2 p.m.

Glenn Allen Butler

November 28, 2022