Dr. David Phillip Butts

David Phillip Butts, 89, of Bogart GA, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021, at his residence.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 19, 2021 at St. James United Methodist Church in Athens, GA with Revs. Bill Curington and Bob Beckwith officiating.

Dr. Butts was born on May 9, 1932, in Rochester, NY, to the late George and Susie Butts. He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Walton Butts, and his two brothers, Lawrence and Paul Butts.

After attending Butler University, in Indianapolis, Indiana, David graduated with a degree in biology and political science. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force where he served primarily as a commander of an island post office in Okinawa, and as an adjutant of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. He later served in the Air Force Reserves, earning the rank of Captain.

In August 1958, David married the love of his life, Velma Walton. Together, they enjoyed their family, growing roses, and serving the Lord, through teaching Sunday school classes, church music, and mission support all over the world.

By 1962, David earned his PhD in Science Education from the University of Illinois. Shortly after graduation he and the family moved to Austin, Texas to begin his career of helping teachers teach science. Dr. Butts spent the next 12 years as a professor at the University of Texas in Austin. In 1974, he accepted the opportunity to continue his career as Chairman of the Science Education Department at the University of Georgia. Prior to his retirement in 1996, Dr. Butts wrote science curriculum here and abroad, authored 400 plus books, articles and publications, held leadership roles in professional organizations, earned numerous awards, including the National Science Teacher Association’s Robert H. Carleton Award for Outstanding Leadership in the field of science education, and greatly furthered the field by supervising and mentoring hundreds of teachers.

Retirement allowed David to spend more time with his family, tend their sizeable garden of more than 300 roses, manage the family-owned apartment complex, teach Sunday School, serve on the board of directors for Asbury Theological Seminary, UGA’s Wesley Foundation, and Southern Wesleyan University. He enjoyed his “Lunch Bunch” crowd who met regularly at various local restaurants. David continued his love of learning and read hundreds of books and was most passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

Dr. Butts is survived by a daughter, Carol Butts Montgomery, son, Douglas (Tami) Butts; grandchildren Elizabeth (Mike) Scheine, Christine (Andrew) Eickstead, Patrick Butts, and Rachel Butts; great-grandchildren – Sarah, Callie, and Andrew Scheine, Kylie and Austin Eickstead; nephews – Ronnie, Gary, Jeff Butts, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the African Missions Fund at St. James United Methodist Church in Athens, GA.

Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com