Max Butler

Max Padgett Butler, age 90, of Shelby was born May 21, 1926 in Sandy Mush near Forest City, NC, and went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife Marian Davis Butler after 72 years of marriage. He was also preceded by his parents, Marvin and Ethel Butler, sisters Louise Hill and Jacquerene Jolly, brothers Bud Butler and Jimmy Butler.
He is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Wortman (John) of Shelby; and Cecelia Mathis of Sparta; nieces and nephews; and caregivers.
Max was educated in Rutherford County schools and at the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Chicago, Illinois. In the early years of his career he worked in broadcasting at radio station WOHS.
He was a professional business man, entrepreneur, and humanitarian.

Max served as advertising manager at Bost Bakery for many years and was also founder and longtime President of Creative Sign Service of Shelby. He served in civic organizations over the course of his life, and was active on the planning boards for the city of Shelby. In later years, he revitalized neighborhoods in Shelby by remodeling rental properties with renovation plans he designed.
A devoted family man, Max was a devout Christian and contributed to Baptist universities and other charitable causes. He was instrumental in the construction of the Thomas Marion Davis library in Old Fort, NC, which was named for Marian's father and was one of his proudest endeavors.
Services will be held Wednesday, December 21 at 1:00 pm at Clay Barnette Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Private graveside service to follow funeral. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please contribute to the charity of your choice.