Melvin Lee Butler, 81, died peacefully on November 3, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Melvin was predeceased by his wife, Frances Jackson Butler.

Born December 11, 1933, in Roanoke Rapids, NC, Melvin was the son of the late Samuel W. and Bessie Briggs Butler. Melvin grew up in Roanoke Rapids then later joined the Army, serving in the Korean War. After military service, Melvin moved back to Roanoke Rapids and married his wife, Frances Jackson Butler in 1958. At this time he also began his lifelong career with Champion Paper Mill.

Melvin and Frances financially supported and volunteered with many well-deserving agencies, especially agencies which served children, including: The Children's Miracle Network, Maynard Children's Hospital in Greenville, NC and UNCG Frances J. Butler Scholarship Fund. The Butlers believed in ''taking care of the children''. Melvin was also a long-time member of All Saints' Episcopal Church.

The family would like to thank everyone who wrote, called, and came by to visit Melvin. Special thanks to Jeane Newsome, Derrick Greene and Marcella McCachren. Their dedication and care for Melvin will be forever appreciated.

Melvin is survived by his sister-in-law, Sarah Jackson Potter (Lee); nieces Ginny Potter, Martha Potter Bowen (Bill), Pat Wildman (Wayne), Patricia Grooms (Fred), Peggy Graumlich (Jim); and nephews Michael Newsome (deceased) (Jeane), Linwood Newsome (Nancy), Curt Butler, Sammy Butler, Mike Butler, and Steve Potter (Carissa).

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM at All Saints' Episcopal Church with Rev. Fred Eichner officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 5:00 until 6:00 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children's Miracle Network, P.O. Box 8369, Greenville, NC, 27835; All Saints' Episcopal Church, 635 Hamilton St., Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870; or Frances J. Butler Scholarship Fund, UNCG Advancement Services, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC, 27402.