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1939
2017
Dr. Kenneth Nelson Butler died peacefully at his home in Salisbury, MD on February 15, 2017, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucy, his son, Anthony, and his brother, Danny. Dr. Butler was born on May 23, 1939 in Avon Park, FL. He earned his Bachelor of Science at University of Tampa in 1962, his Master of Arts at Appalachian State University in 1963, and his Doctor of Education at University of Tennessee in 1968. A lifelong educator, he began his career as an instructor in the department of Physical Education and Recreation at University of Tampa. From 1963-72, he held various teaching positions at University of South Florida, and at University of Tennessee from 1966-68 while completing his doctoral degree. In 1974, Butler began his tenure at Salisbury University (then Salisbury State College) as Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Education. In this position, he raised the profile of competitive sports at the university, and oversaw the completion of the Maggs Physical Activities Center. In 1984, he was appointed the first dean of the School of Professional Studies at Salisbury University. Butler excelled as an administrator and was soon promoted to Vice President of Academic Affairs, serving from 1986-1995. During this time, he advanced the academic mission of the institution. He played a key role, helping to develop high-quality academic programs, leading the hiring and promotion of faculty, and guiding the institution through critical accreditation processes. In 1995, he was appointed Interim President, where he continued to support the robust growth and development of the burgeoning suburban institution. In 1996, he returned to the faculty as a full professor in the Department of Physical Education. He retired from Salisbury University in 2003. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he presented more than 25 papers at regional, national, and international conferences. Butler also held numerous volunteer positions throughout his time in Salisbury, supporting the efforts for the Delmarva YMCA, MAC, Inc. (Area Agency on Aging), the regional Senior Games, and the Maryland Wheelchair Games, leading fundraising efforts and investing heavily in the Salisbury community. Throughout his life, he was a devoted husband and father, and an avid fisherman. During his retirement, he enjoyed frequent trips to his beach house on Little Gasparilla Island off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Over the last several years, Butler has been an active member of the board of directors of the Delmarva YMCA. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 at 7pm at Bounds Funeral Home. The family asks you to share your favorite stories of Dr. Butler. Friends and family may visit from 6pm-7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bounds Funeral Home.
March 3, 2017
Dr. Butler was a good man. I remember him giving good advice to young college students in the late 70's she S.U. was SSC. He was very nonjudgmental and had a great sense of humor.
Vane Wiggins
SSC "81"
February 27, 2017
Kelly and Al Tudeen and family
Aunt Lucy and Anthony,
Our hearts were saddened to hear about Uncle Nelson. He was a great man and I will forever have special memories of him. He was kind and gentle and a wonderful role model. I am blessed to have known such a beautiful soul. May you find peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences. Love to you all. God bless you.
February 23, 2017
Libby Andersen
Dear Lucy,
I am so sad to learn of Nelson's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Anthony. Although it has been many years, I have fond memories of Nelson. He was kind and thoughtful and had a wry sense of humor that I appreciated. I will always be grateful for his encouragement when I decided to continue my education. Aside from the love for his family, education and fishing seemed to be at the top of his list. It's nice knowing he lived the life he loved. My deepest sympathy to you and Anthony.
February 20, 2017
Deborah Joiner
Saddened to hear of the passing of cousin Nelson.
I last saw him at Daddy's funeral in 2012 and was so pleased he could come.
I'm sure he and Daddy are telling each other tall fishing tales.
February 20, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you all good health to endure this difficult time and wonderful memories to help you through the sadness. Love, light and blessings to the family.
D. Wilmington- California
February 20, 2017
Pat Bunting
Burt and I are thinking about you and your family. We are sending our well wishes.
February 18, 2017
Hunter Smith
Lucy I send my deepest sympathy to you and your son. Nelson was a great leader for our department of physical education, health, and recreation at Salisbury University. I appreciated all the great advice he gave to me as a member of his staff. And of course I will never forget the fishing trips. May he rest in peace and may the good lord be with you and the family.
Hunter Smith, Hudson, FL
February 17, 2017
JOHN LOPEZ
I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Butler when I was in undergrad school at the U. of Tampa. I never forgot his lessons in anatomy & physiology! Many years later he and his wife Lucy were kind enough to host my wife and me when I was invited to speak at the then Salisbury State College Sports Medicine Symposium that Hunter Smith created. I have never forgotten their kindness and his dedication to education. He was truly a great educator and friend. He will be missed. Our prayers to his Family and SSU. Peace.
John & Jane Lopez (U.Tampa-1971)
February 17, 2017
Frances Lee George
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a classmate, but most of all a childhood friend
February 17, 2017
May he rest in peace. Nelson was an important part of the class of '57, Avon Park High School.
Dolores Stokey Cornell
February 16, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. As a child in Avon Park, FL, I grew up a few houses down from Nelson, Danny and Reggie and their parents.
Linda (Smith) Bailey
February 16, 2017
My deepest sympathy...
Sincerely,
Gail Harris
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