Jess Willard Butcher

McMinnville resident and Warren County native Jess Willard Butcher, age 84, was born July 5, 1939 and died April 20, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Nashville, TN following an extended illness.

A self-employed carpenter and member of Smyrna Church of Christ, he was the son of the late Howard Foster and Minnie Irene Dodson Butcher.  He was married to Betty Jean Butcher on November 9, 1963 who preceded him in death on September 4, 2021. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill (Helen) Butcher, Jim Butcher and “Bud” Butcher.

Mr. Butcher is survived by children, Shelia (James) Austin of Rock Island, TN, Randy (Lisa) Butcher of McMinnville and Donna Bass of Adairsville, GA; grandchildren, Josh Huntley, Matthew Austin, Dillon Butcher, Hailey Blair, Cody Bass and Brianna Bass; great-grandchildren, Ava and Ryan Huntley, Paislee and Elody Butcher and Talon and Riley Blair; sisters, Dorothy Jean Anderson of Murfreesboro, TN and Brenda Perry of McMinnville; sister-in-law, Barbara England of McMinnville; several nieces and nephews and special friend, June McGee of McMinnville.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in High’s Chapel with Ray Weddington and Bill Walkup officiating. Burial will follow at Smyrna Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.