Cecil Victor “Vic” Butler Jr.
December 24, 1942 – November 2, 2026

Cecil Victor “Vic” Butler Jr., 83, passed away on November 2, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored him and countless people who loved, respected, and looked up to him. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, attorney, and friend, Vic lived a remarkable life filled with accomplishment and lasting relationships.

Born in Quincy, Florida, Vic was the son of Cecil Victor Butler Sr. and Frances Lester Butler. He grew up working on his family’s extensive farm in Havana, mastering every job and developing a work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. His childhood adventures and occasional mischief were lovingly recorded in his mother’s writings.

At Havana High School, Vic played varsity basketball and baseball and discovered his gift for public speaking and leadership through the Future Farmers of America. He served as Florida FFA president in 1960–1961 and national FFA president in 1961–1962. These experiences took a young man from Havana onto a national stage, with opportunities to travel to the Holy Land and introduce distinguished guests, including former President Harry S. Truman.

Vic attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Auburn University in 1967. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida in 1969 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1970. He began his legal career in Orlando at the law firm of U.S. Senator Ed Gurney and John Scofield and later established his own practice. His intelligence, determination, and natural leadership earned the admiration of those who knew and worked with him.

On October 27, 1974, Vic married DeNeece White. During nearly 52 years together, they raised Beau and Bliss and welcomed family and friends into their homes throughout Central Florida and the North Carolina mountains. At one mountain home, Seasons Farm, Vic continued his agricultural pursuits by raising cattle and planting Christmas trees.

An avid golfer, Vic enjoyed playing some of the world’s most celebrated courses, including St. Andrews in Scotland and Pebble Beach in California. His travels with DeNeece took them to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Egypt, and beyond. Whether traveling abroad, spending time on the golf course, or welcoming loved ones into their home, he valued the friendships and experiences that made life rich.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vic was a beloved father and “Papaw.” His family, spanning children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, is a lasting part of the life he built with DeNeece.

Vic was preceded in death by his beloved wife, DeNeece White Butler, who passed away on August 23, 2026; and his parents, Cecil Victor Butler Sr. and Frances Lester Butler.

He is survived by his son, Victor Beaumont “Beau” Butler and wife, Shari; his daughter, Frances Bliss Garza and husband, Jaime; his sister, Betty Butler West; his grandchildren, Autumn Urquilla and husband, Giovanni, Dalton Butler, Sage Butler, Isabella Garza, and Gabriel Garza; and his great grandsons, Leo and Jack Urquilla, along with extended family and many dear friends.

Vic was an extraordinarily wonderful man whose life left a lasting impression on so many. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, and the people who found inspiration in his example. He will be remembered with admiration, missed beyond words, and loved always.

In keeping with Vic’s wishes, no service will be held. His ashes will be scattered privately in the North Carolina mountains.