On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, Dr. Glenn Allen Butler of Gainesville, a beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at UF Health Shands with his daughter by his side. He was born in Braman, Oklahoma to William Ray and Martha Butler, the youngest of 4 children. When he was 4 months old, his mother died of influenza in the epidemic of 1929. His paternal aunt, Mrs. Maude Stephenson and her husband Sam raised him as their own on their farm near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He credited Aunt Maude as being the most influential person in his life.
From the farm he went to the University of Oklahoma earning a B.A. in News and Advertising. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1950-53 attaining the rank of Master Sergeant in the 45th Infantry Division. He also served as a medic in a M.A.S.H. unit in the 120th Medical Battalion in Korea and was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and a United Nations Service Medal.
He went on to earn two master’s degrees in Counseling & Guidance Education and in Journalistic Management. He began his teaching career at Central State College (now University) in Edmond, Oklahoma. After earning his doctorate in education at Oklahoma State University in 1965, Glenn accepted an offer to teach in the College of Journalism at the University of Florida. He was the 1st Chair of the Department of Public Relations 1972-76, Associate Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications 76-82, and Director of Student Services 82-94.
In 1992 he was honored as being named a Distinguished Service Professor of Public Relations. After retiring from teaching in 2003 he continued his service with the University of Florida Division of Housing with academic advising and training programs. He lived in a dorm on campus in the Faculty-in-Residence program beginning in 1988. He was able to help countless students through his thoughtful care, assistance, guidance, advice, referral and friendship. In 1999 the UF Division of Housing named the Dr. Glenn Butler Faculty Recognition Award in his honor.
He was faculty advisor for the Golden Key International Honour Society for 15 years and was named International Advisor of the Year in 2011. In 2013 The Glenn A. Butler Leadership and Service Award was established in his honor at the University of Florida to be awarded annually to a deserving student. This was in recognition of his 60 years of teaching and service. On October 11, 2013 Gainesville mayor Pegeen Hanrahan proclaimed it Dr. Glenn Butler Day at a ceremony celebrating his final retirement.
Glenn is preceded in death by his son, Steven Bennett Butler.
He is survived by daughter Suzanna Hinton of Gainesville, daughter-in-law Amy Butler of Ft. White, FL, grandchildren Hannah Hinton, D.A. Hinton (Sarah), Alexander Butler, Nicholas Butler (Virginia) and Maria McKay, and great-grandchildren Julian, Camila, Brianna, Brooke and Brigitte.
The family is eternally grateful to faithful friend and caregiver Cesar Pareja for his many years of love and care.
Graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday December 1, 2022 at Forest Meadows Cemetery-Central, 4100 N.W. 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL at 2 p.m.
Prayers for you all. Uncle Glenn you will be missed.
Prayers for your family. Great Uncle Glenn was a kind and loving person.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Suzanna. Love you my sister and I care.
Love your sister in Christ. Our God is Love and He is near the broken hearted.🙏🏽❤️
Carolyn Jackson,
University city Church of Christ
Gainesville, Florida
Keeping you and your family in my prayers. I know you are already missing him.
I love you sweet sister.
Marilyn
He was not only an intelligent man but also a kind man to everyone he met. He was very loving toward his family, and I hold wonderful memories of him as my dear Uncle Glenn. I remember when I was 4 to 6 years old, my family lived in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I always looked forward to his visits because I knew he would bring me books. He definitely encouraged my love of reading. I pray for God’s peace and comfort to sustain Suzanna and the rest of the family, as well as his longtime friend and caregiver, Cesar.
As a loving Grandpa, I remember fun bath time and him & Steve patiently brushing my long hair out afterwards…as I got older & further away , he stayed a constant thought in my mind & heart …he knew when I fell & would help me dig out …He wasn’t sure what plagued me , but still I always felt loved by him
Prayers for all of you during this sad & trying time. Strength for all of you.
Love for you all.
Bonni Chambers
Prayers and Condolences to you and your family! If it was not for Dr. Butler and his guidance, I would not be a University of Florida graduate!
This was my Great Uncle. He gave me an incredible opportunity to move to Gainesville Florida in 1986 and attend Santa Fe Community College and the University of Florida. He opened his home to me, and set me on my way! I am amazed by his accomplishments, as I had no idea he was so revered (only due to his humility), but I’m not surprised. He was a good man that put others well being ahead of his own. I’m sad that I didn’t stay closer to him as life moved on, but happy for the time we shared. RIP Uncle Glenn. You will be missed!❤️ Suzanna Hinton
Without his continued guidance, help, and encouragement, I would never have graduated. That initial involvement that began with journalism classes in the stadium led to years of friendship, which included a much anticipated annual newsletter focused on his quiet pride in his family’s accomplishments, and a wall calendar that was appreciated and well used.
That same kindness towards his students carried over in helping guide my oldest son’s UF enrollment and subsequent graduation. And for many years, on various trips to Gainesville, we’d meet for lunch or dinner, and the always enjoyable conversation that went with.
I can’t speak for everyone whose lives he touched, but his impact on mine, as a student, professionally, and personally, is incalculable. He was a great teacher, a superb mentor, and a valued friend.