Richard Gerard Butts was born on January 14, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Robert Butts, Sr. and Constance Carithers Butts. On August 14, 2026, Richard peacefully transitioned from this life, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard graduated from H.M. Turner High School in 1967. He continued his education at the University of Georgia in Athens, where he met LaVerne Burch. The two married in 1969 and were blessed with three daughters: Sonya, Pamela, and Gillian. Richard later continued his education and proudly earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta in 1981.

Richard was a hardworking man whose professional life reflected his versatility, determination, and willingness to learn something new. In 1972, he began a career with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), where he worked as both a bus driver and train operator until 1985.

In the late 1980s, Richard entered the restaurant industry and worked for several years as a store manager with the McDonald’s Corporation. He later found his way to the open road, becoming a tractor-trailer driver for several companies before eventually becoming an owner-operator. With years of knowledge and experience behind the wheel, Richard had the opportunity to become a Commercial Truck Driver Instructor at Georgia Piedmont College. After retiring, he returned to driving, serving as a school bus driver for the Dodge County School System in Eastman, Georgia.

Richard was also an entrepreneur and a man of many talents. Throughout his life, he pursued several business ventures, including working as a real estate agent with First United Realty and owning and operating a laundry and dry-cleaning business in Avondale Estates, Georgia.

In 1989, Richard married Shirley Brim. Through that union, Richard gained a nephew, James, affectionately known as “Bae Bae,” who grew to become like a son to him.

For the last thirteen years of his life, Richard shared a loving and committed relationship with his devoted companion, Lawanji Davis. Through their relationship, he gained a bonus daughter, Kyrsten, who lovingly and playfully called him “Mr. Butt Cheeks.”

To his family, Richard was “Superman”. He was an amazing father and grandfather whose presence meant strength, protection, wisdom, and love. Richard truly enjoyed life. He loved traveling, listening to music, telling stories, giving advice, spending time with his family, working in his yard, watching football, and exercising. He was also a “grill master” who loved cars and was a bit of a mechanic.

Richard leaves a lifetime of cherished memories to his devoted longtime partner, Lawanji Davis; his three daughters, Sonya Philpot, Pamela Randall, and Gillian Butts Jones (Jeffrey); bonus son, James “Bae Bae” Holmes (Brandi); bonus daughter, Kyrsten Walker; brother and best friend, Edward “Mike” Perry (Beverly); and lifelong friend, LaVerne Butts Robinson; goddaughters, Dalila Glover (Torreco) and Monifa Johnson.

His legacy will continue through his beloved grandchildren: Terrance, Donnielle (Ke’Ontae), David, Dominique, Mia, Dazonte’, and K’lyn, along with a host of extended family members, friends, former coworkers, students, and others whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

As his family says goodbye, they find comfort in knowing that Richard will be welcomed into his heavenly home by his mother and father, Constance and Robert Butts, Sr.; his brother, Robert Butts, Jr.; and his niece, Sheri Butts, along with a host of other family members and loved ones.

Richard’s 76 years were filled with strength, love, laughter, and family. He was a father, grandfather, partner, brother, friend, teacher, provider, storyteller, businessman, traveler, and protector whose legacy will live on forever.