Harold Bernard Butler

Harold Bernard Butler was born in Tampa, Florida on December 14, 1945 to Horace Butler and Emmogene Sanders-Butler. He passed away peacefully in his home on June 15, 2021 with his loving family members by his side. Harold was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Della, father, Horace, mother Emmogene and son Harold Jr. Harold graduated from Middleton High School and joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1963 at the age of 17 after his friends dared him to take the ASVAB test. Upon learning that he passed, he saw this as his opportunity to see the world and sought his mothers permission due to his age. Throughout his military career he served in several occupational specialties such as Food Service Line Cook, Food Service Supervisor, Military Recruiter and Personnel Technician. He was a highly decorated serviceman having received the Outstanding Unit Award, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He completed continuing education classes in Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership School, Management Training for Air Force Supervisors and Food Services Supervisors, and the NCO Academy. Harold retired as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force on September 30, 1987. He subsequently began a career working in Civil Service for the Department of Defense, United States Air Force, as an Education Specialist receiving several awards for running the Number One Training Unit in the United States. Harold was a proud patriot and honorably served his country for 23 years. Harold loved playing racquetball, going to the gym and traveling. He was a free-spirited social butterfly with an entrepreneurial flair. He also gave back to his community by being a Big Brother, coaching football and mentoring servicemenand women. Harold would always say "time waits for no man" and adamantly verbalized that he did just about everything in life that he wanted to do. He loved the work that he did at the 940th Training Unit serving 27 years of his life. Between his military service and his civil employment he served 50 years for the United States Government.