Thomas “Tom” Clyde Butts, 81, formerly of Richland, Georgia, Buena Vista, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at his home. He was born on October 19, 1944, in Sumter County Georgia, to the late Robert Clyde Butts and Vera Ena Dominick Butts.

Born and raised in Pine Mountain, they moved to Richland, Georgia in 1955, when Tom’s mother started working at the Stewart Webster Hospital. Tom graduated from Richland High School in 1963. He attended Georgia Southwestern College for two years until his father’s health suffered and Tom took over running the Shell Station in Richland. At the station the “bench” was usually occupied, off and on during the day, by his friends, George Cobb, Joe Sanders, Buck Jones, Gerald McGlaun, Buddy Galloway, Merrill Smith, Bob McGlaun and Bobby Harris. Mose Trusdale was always there working at the station. Tom was known to work with people when they had to wait “until payday” to pay for their tires.

Tom had a love for his farm, raising cattle, going to farm auctions, dogs and especially his nieces and nephews. They would always be around the station, at the farm and came to visit him after he moved to Buena Vista, Georgia.

After Tom retired from the Shell Station, he opened his own tire shop at the farm where he kept his many cows. Everyone remembers Tom loved to ride through Richland each day to check on what was happening. After a ride through, he and his dog would park at the old station and visit with friends.

Tom is survived by his sister, Judy (Tony) Colvin; a brother, Robert “Bob” Carlton Butts; nephew, Tony Colvin, Jr; nieces, Linda Moore, Lorri Hurst; six great nieces and nephews, one great-great niece; his loving companion dog, Patsy; and countless friends who will forever remember his friendship.

Tom is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Bill Butts and his dog, Buster.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Visitation Service will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 10:00 am until 10:45, at Harmony Cemetery in Richland, Georgia.

A Graveside Service will be held immediately following the Visitation at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Robert Orr will officiate the service.

In Lieu of Flowers: donations may be made in Tom’s memory to: PAWS, 4900 Milgen Rd., Columbus, GA 31907

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.