Forrest Powell Butler

Forrest Butler age 77, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Friday March 31, 2023. Forrest was born in a quaint little town in West Virginia. Forrest was 4 out of 7 siblings. As a child, Forrest was described as “studious” with an unwavering love of knowledge and a desire to travel. When Forrest was caught without a book in his hand, he was known to socialize with people of all walks of life. As Forrest got older, his thirst for knowledge and his desire for adventure were met when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Forrest was able to travel and embark on many adventures while serving as a maintainer of B-52’s around the world. While in the service, one of Forrest’s highest achievements earned was the Presidential Unit Citation. It is conferred on units of the armed forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign. During his retirement after 20 years of service, Forrest enjoyed a quiet life in Orlando, where he worked with his hands to build things for himself and others, including his beloved boat the “Bicolonia”. Over time, Forrest would end up spending his summers with his grandchildren, sharing his wealth of knowledge about life, history, classical music, politics, books, flora and fauna, Star Trek: The next generation, and the 5 o’clock evening news. He took every opportunity he had with his grandchildren, to impart knowledge, treating every moment of the day as a teachable one. He loved to cook and make wine almost as much as he enjoyed drinking it and instilled this love in his two oldest grandchildren. Just as a young Forrest could always be found with a book in his hand, he believed his grandchildren should never be without one. When they weren’t picking out recipes, baking bread, or picking grapes for wine, they were reading and writing book reports about what they read. Forrest leaves behind a dedicated wife, loving siblings, 4 children, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 4 fur great grand puppies. He will be missed dearly. “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose.” -Myles Munroe

Forrest Powell Butler

April 28, 1946 - March 31, 2023