Ivory Ernest Butler Jr

Unknown - Dec 17th, 2009

Birth Date: Unknown
Death Date: Dec 17, 2009
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
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Biography: Ivory Ernest Butler Jr, 81, of Little Rock passed away December 17, 2009. Ernie was born to the late Ivory Ernest and Vera Irene Butler in 1928. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bobbie Jean Butler, daughter Becky Staggs, her husband Jeff and their children Bailey, Alan, and Graham Staggs of Colorado; son Ernie Butler III, his wife Tina and their children Stephen, Katie, and Carson Butler of Little Rock; and son Craig Butler, his wife Cathy and their children Ivory and Noelle Butler of New York. Ernie started his professional career with Russell Brown & Co., CPA’s in 1949. He was a member of the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 and then began a forty-one year career with Stephens Inc. in 1957 where he rose to the position of Senior Executive V.P. & Director. After leaving Stephens Inc in 1998 he founded I. E. Butler Securities Inc. Ernie has served on the Board for Stephens Inc., CenturyTel Inc., CARTI, Parkway Village, ACA Financial Guaranty Corp. and Universal Gold Limited. He currently sits on the board of Arkansas Independent Colleges and Universities, Baptist Health Foundation, and the Methodist Children’s Home. Ernie possessed the rare gift of joy and of spreading that joy to all he met. A kind, loving, and giving husband, father and grandfather, he was a lifelong member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and a member of Dietz Dialogue class. He was a masterful storyteller and was happy to share his time and talents with his many friends. A visitation will be Monday December 21, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. Service is Tuesday December 22, 2009 at 10 a.m. in Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He will later be entombed in the columbarium at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to CARTI or the Methodist Children’s Home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(21)

Russ Fraser

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

For Ernie, God, Country, Family and Friends were all important. Ernie was the best friend anyone could ever have, and one of the finest, best Christians I have ever met.I was fortunate to serve with him on two Boards of Directors for more than 10 years, and my only sadness is that it wasn't two or three times longer.
When Ernie walked into a Board room, or any room, it became just a little bit lighter. Ernie was always working on another deal or helping a friend. Wherever Ernie is, I am sure that he is doing one or the other right now. God Bless.

Robin Curtis

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ernie was a well respected associate and I am so sorry to learn of his sudden death. My thoughts and prayers to his entire family.

Bob Francis

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ernie was first a Christian family man. His life and business approach were use of his intelligence and humor. Together with approachable, honest, caring, interpretive nonsensical answers, he delivered problem solving, commitment and results.

I will miss him for him for his spirit and love of Christ, family, friends, State of Arkansas, business sense and optimistic love of life. He was a man of impeccable character. I could always rely on Ernie.

To his wife Bobbie and family I offer my deepest condolence and my continued prayers.

Lydia Carson

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I met Ernie only a few weeks ago, and it was a pleasure getting to know him. His positive, helpful, and pleasant manner made him a joy to be around. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

John Cooke

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. What a fulfilling life to have lived and what an example to others. My thoughts and prayer's are with you as you adjust to this change.

Haarvey Cobb

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest condolence is expressed for Ernie who was a beacon of character and God's grace. I sincerely treasure my experiences in his presence.

Rita O'Kelley

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It was such a pleasure working with Ernie at Stephens. He was always kind, generous, smiling, ready to extend grace and help to everyone. He lived his faith and was a true example of a Christian, a gentleman and a man of high integrity. He will be missed. Not many like him. Your family is in my prayers.

Bill Bethea

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ernie was one of the most extraordinary men I have ever known. He was always there to teach and guide us in the lessons of business, family and faith. As everyone knows, he was so full of enthusiasm that it was contagious. He always tackled the most difficult projects. Ernie truly made the world a better place.

Bob Fudickar

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ernie was, absolutely, the consummate professional in the corporate finance world with more integrity than anyone in the business. It's no wonder that he assisted Clarke M. Williams, Sr. for, oh so, many years of successful counsel to Century. I'm honored to have worked with him, but, more so, to call him friend. He was a fine and decent Gentleman!

John & Sandy Gavin

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Uncle Ernie was a very unique man. One that was blessed with such intelligence but approached everything in life with so much common sense. His Christian kindness & generosity is what we will all remember him for the most. He & Aunt Bobbie always opened their home to us & we have many happy memories from downstairs & at the lakes. We love you all & will be praying for you.

Becky Burgess

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Working with Ernie in a suite of offices was such a joy and honor. I will never forget how much he enjoyed passing around his mother's candy each year at Christmas. As your hearts are filled with sadness, may they also be filled with joy knowing that Ernie truly lived his faith. You must have so many beautiful memories of him.

Jimmy Holland

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

One of the best and gentlest men I ever knew, a model to all who knew him. His Christian faith glowed through his life and actions. He was universally respected and loved. Now he is where his faith always led him to be. Let us hope that we may have such faith, and that we will see him again. My prayers are with all of his loved ones.

Ginny Martin Fleming

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I remember Ernie well from my few years in the Dialogue Class back in the late 1970's, and what an uplifting and inspiring man to have known. Craig and I were in Youth Group together - Craig and Bobbie, my heartfelt condolences. My mom, Jane Martin, will also be sad to hear of your loss. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

don colbert

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It was my pleasure and privilege to have known a great man lke Ernie.He was a fine boss and a good friend.He will be missed.Our sympathy to the Butler family.Don and Donna Colbert

Bill Mann

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To Ernie's family, I am sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of worshiping with Ernie at PHUMC and also served with him on the Methodist Family Health board. He was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time.

Bill Mann

Laurie Sims Woods

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was truly a special person, filled with warmth and humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Much love,
Laurie & Mike Woods and the Sims Family

Frank Anderson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I had the privilege working with Ernie on a couple of "deals" when I was employed by Stephens. I was overwhelmed by Ernie's common sense and ability to find small issues that could have easily grown into large ones that none of the rest of us would have caught.

Ernie was truly a "prince of gentlemen." Since Ernie didn't smoke or drink, his "indulgence" was ice cream and did he ever love it.

It was honor to have known Ernie as there is absolutely no doubt where he is at this moment. Ernie's gain will be our loss.

God Bless his family who he loved so deeply.

Sincerely,

Frank Anderson

Jeanette Sims

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so sad to hear of Ernie's passing...I remember so well how much my father, Bryan Sims, valued him for all he did. I also know the pain of losing a father, especially at this time of you. My thoughts are with all of you.

Grayling Hill

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I served with Ernie on the board of the Arkansas Independent Colleges and Universities. He was always a joy to spend time with and very knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics. I will personally miss his friendship and counsel and the AICU will miss his heart and hard work for Arkansas's private colleges and universities. His family will be in my prayers.

RJ Martino

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ernie was a great man and lived a great life! I am blessed to have met him.

Michael J. Drake

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A man well met. I am grieved by his passing and warmed by his memory.

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