Birth date: Nov 20, 1944 Death date: Oct 24, 2022
Mr. Barry A. (BA) Buttz, 77, of Decatur passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at Physicians Regional Hospital, Naples, FL. Mr. Buttz was born in Decatur on November 20, 1944, to Helen Galamback Buttz and Ralph E. Buttz Jr. He Read Obituary
To the family of Mr Buttz, I’m sorry for your loss. I met BA in 1977 when I was in the 7th grade at Thomas Jefferson Middle School…Boy I’m old. My experience he was compassionate, humble and understanding, my favorite teacher. I occasionally ran into BA at the Decatur Celebration. R.I.P. BA🙏🏾
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Buttz, he was a wonderful teacher with a great personality, and to his loved ones, he will be truly missed. May you all find comfort and peace.
My brother and I were the "twins" at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Mr. Buttz named us the "Tulip twins." He made each and every student feel welcome and valued at the school. I can still see him at his door saying hello, sharing banter with students and remember the laughter most of all. He shared his time and was always there not only as a teacher but also friend.We were invited to his and Jean's wedding. Why invite students? Looking back, it was just the way he and Jean cared about all of us. One of the songs they played at their wedding, it may have been the main song, was 'We've Only Just Begun." To this day when I hear this song, I think of their wedding. Looking back that song was prophetic. Years later, I would run into Barry and found out he was sharing his life with Bill. Bill was our principal in elementary and also a fine man. Small world, but what a great time to be a student in this community.
Barry was an amazing man in so many ways. When he was invited to be a speaker at a Naples PFLAG event about ten years ago, he and his partner, Bill, stayed in my home. After Bill's passing, B.A. and I became even closer and jointly attended my church, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples. He enjoyed all aspects of the congregation and considered it his spiritual home. He spoke in the congregation's annual Pride service and was beloved by all who had the wonderful experience of meeting this most talented, cordial, and loving man. Dr. John W. Boettjer, Naples
While growing up in Decatur, I did not have a father in my life. BA mentored me, and anytime I needed some advice, he made time to talk with me. My best memory is when I graduated from Eisenhower High School. BA is on stage, ready to hand me my diploma with a handwritten note I still have today. My sympathies to the family.
Sheri Jolly lit a candle in memory of Barry Buttz
