A funeral service for Willie Ray Butler "The Mule" will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas. A time for visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022 at Downs Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Bucksville Cemetery in Hallsville, Texas. Mr. Butler passed away on January 5, 2022 in Nebraska.

On December 20th, 1947, Mr. Eddie Butler, Senior. and Mrs. Elzarue Butler (Tanghlyn) became the parents of their ninth child, a baby boy they named Willie Ray Butler. He was given the childhood nickname "Mule". Willie attended Hallsville Public Schools. The family later moved to Marshall, Texas. At an early age, Willie joined the church as a member of Westside Church of Christ. Later, he and his family joined the Preparation for Life Church in Fort Worth, Texas, founded by the late Reverend Joe L. Washington, Sr under the leadership of Rev. Joe L. Washington, Jr. On August 10th, 1974, Willie was joined in marriage to Barbara Jean Bagby, a union that lasted until his death. Together, Willie and Barbara are the parents of Jara (Alexandria, Va) and Matthew John (Rowlett, Texas). His children were the loves of his life. Willie worked for Simmons BeautyRest for 21 years, followed by an additional 20 years at JB Hunt Transportation. At both companies he was commended for setting numerous records, including a record of ten years without safety violations and another for zero absences. In addition, Wille was recognized for training new drivers and achieving the 2 million miles distinction in which he was commended by JB Hunt. Willie was a faithful and dedicated employee, he loved driving the open roads, seeing America the beautiful. Willie was a resident of Rowlett, Texas and a 52-year resident of Dallas County. He was a member of the Teamsters' Union, an active and engaged Dallas County democrat and a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Willie was a man who lived a life of love, finding his greatest joy amongst family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Butler, Sr. and Elzarue (Tanghlyn) Butler; brothers, Eddie Butler, Jr., Hayward (Joe) Butler and Jessie Butler, Sr.; sisters, Eva Mae Howard, Annie Butler Perry, and Mamie Henderson.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Bagby Butler; children, Jara Ray Nesheia Butler and Matthew John Butler; sister, Elizabeth Allen; brothers, Donnie Butler (Reva) and James Butler; sister in love, Mary Butler; sister in love, Eugenia Butler; brother in love, Armstead Allen, Sr.; special friends, I.V. Wright, Robert L. Haynes, Cidel Walker along with much beloved nieces and nephews and a host of cherished great nieces and nephews.