Obituary of Thomas Arthur Butler

Thomas Arthur Butler loving husband, son, brother, and friend to many passed away Oct 30th, 2022, after a brief illness at the age of 66 in Malabar, FL.

Tom was born on Jan 9th, 1956, to Bobbie Jay Butler and Ruby Louise Butler in Miami, FL. The family moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where Tom attended and graduated high school. Tom attended college at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, GA, jump-starting a career in the horticulture industry, and later moved with the family to Ocala, FL as a retail manager at a local plant nursery. It was in Ocala FL where Tom met and married his wife Barbara. Tom later went on to become a licensed Landscape and Irrigation Contractor and owner of Action Irrigation and Landscape. Tom moved to Malabar in 1983 from Davie, FL when offered a manager position at Malabar Farms and Gardens located on Malabar Road.

Tom loved his family but also had a loving and caring heart big enough for all. He especially went out of his way to help those in need, be a broken-down motorist or a homeless person in need of a winter jacket and so much more. He befriended all and was non-judgmental and deeply spiritual. Tom was known for his high energy, giving nature, and legendary antics often lovingly teasing those he cared about. Those that knew him have stories to tell.

Toms interests were varied and pursued tirelessly. He was an active person and loved nature and all animals but especially birds. A few of his passions were plants, both tropical and orchids, competitive sports, scuba diving, adventures, socializing with friends, and of course football especially his favorite lifelong team the Miami Dolphins.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Bobbie Jay Butler. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Barbara J. (Knotts), Mother Ruby Louise Butler, two sisters, Elizabeth Butler of Valdosta, GA. and Mary (Jimmy) Chambless of Ocala, FL., brother Steve (Emily) Butler of Sanford and nephew Butler (Christina), nieces Callie Brant and Kathryn Brant of Ocala, FL.

In-laws include father-in-law Noel D. Knotts of Malabar, FL., Elizabeth Szymanski of Bellevue, NE.; nieces Laura of Lincoln, CA. and Kate of Bellevue, NE., Jane and Bill Moore; nephews Adam and Chad of Snellville, GA., Noël Knotts of Melbourne, FL., Carl Knotts; niece Hailey; nephew Scout of Mason Neck, VA.

A “Celebration of Life” is to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of Tom’s favorite charities, Wildlife Conservation Society, Feeding America, or the Brevard Sharing Center.