Bennie James Butler, Jr.

Bennie Butler Jr peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas at UAMS. Bennie's life began on March 6, 1963, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, where he was born to Annie Mae Ice and Bennie Butler Sr. He was one of twelve children and grew up surrounded by a large, loving family. 

His vibrant personality and sense of humor made him the life of the party, and his storytelling abilities were unmatched. Bennie's impact extended beyond his immediate family, as he played a significant role in the upbringing of his nieces and nephews. Family was paramount to him, and he never hesitated to share his humor and love with those around him.  

Bennie's commitment to helping others led him to pursue a degree in social work at the University of Conway and later obtain his master's degree from Grambling State University. His education and personal experiences shaped him into a compassionate and encouraging individual, known for lifting others up despite his own challenges. Bennie loved to praise God and was a proud member of the Greater St. John Baptist Church of Little Rock, AR under the leadership of Pastor Sherman McKenzie. 

Bennie's early years were marked by the love and care of his parents and siblings, but he also experienced the pain of losing several family members before his own passing. He preceded in death his beloved mother Annie Mae Ice, Father Bennie Butler Sr, Sister Phyllis Foster, and Brothers Floyd and Charlie Ice. 

Despite his losses, Bennie's spirit was resilient, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and nurturing memories. He is survived by his stepmother, Mary Butler of Pine Bluff, AR, and his daughter, Makayla Butler of Monroe, LA. Additionally, he is survived by a large extended family, including five sisters: Barbara Lee of Detroit, MI, Deborah Ice of Little Rock, AR, Joe Denise Kelly of Fresno, CA, Benita Murphy of Pine Bluff, AR, and Sharonda Murphy of Bastrop, LA;  seven brothers: Robert Ice of Fresno, CA, Tommie Ice, Robert Wynn, Karl Ice, and Andy Butler of Stuttgart, AR, Curry Butler of Little Rock, AR and Andre Murphy or Pine Bluff, AR, along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that’s spread across different cities and states. 

Bennie Butler Jr's life was one characterized by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to family and community. His passing is a loss felt deeply by all who had the honor of knowing him.

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