STOCKTON, CALIF. — Harold Butts Sr., the son of Bennie Butts Jr., and Dorothy Mae Butts, was born on Nov. 29, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland; he passed away peacefully at his home in Stockton, California, on April 10, 2016.

He and his sister, Delores Ann, were reared by maternal grandparents, Waylon and Ethel Lawrence in Franklin, Virginia.

Harold received his scholastic education from Camptown Elementary School and Georgie Tyler High School, both in Virginia.

He continued his education in the Air Force where he became a communication specialist. In his eight-year tenure, he completed several domestic assignments and a Saigon tour of duty during the Vietnam War.

Furthering his education, Harold received certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor from UOP, and certifications as a Registered Addiction Specialist I and II, as a Clinical Supervisor Credential, and as a Medicated Assisted Treatment Counselor from Breining Institute, both in California.

He was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Norfolk Naval Shipyard, both in Virginia; and National Semiconductor, Symantec and Sysco Systems, all of California.

Prior to his death, for several years he was self-employed as the founder and CEO of Dignity’s Alcove, a 46-bed transitional housing program offering homeless veterans mental and behavioral health support, substance abuse counseling and employment preparation.

His wife, the Rev. Mary Mims-Butts, the co-founder and executive director of operations, worked with him. Harold and Mary were honored in March 2016 during U.S. 114th Congressional Session for promoting the well-being of homeless veterans. Among a few witnesses, the Honorable Congressman Jerry McNerney personally presented a framed commendation to Harold and Mary in the privacy of their home.

He was a member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church where he served as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, worship leader and steward. Until his health declined, he humbly and faithfully served God and humanity.

Harold leaves to cherish many fond memories: his lovely wife, the Rev. Mary Mims-Butts; a devoted sister, Assistant Pastor Delores Ann Manley, (VA); a sister, Valerie Butts Sneed, (MD); a brother, Charles Butts (Amy), (DE); five sons, Harold Butts Jr., Damian Tarelle Butts (Najla), both of California; Rodney Brown, (OH); Curtis Turner and Robbie Cannady (Anita), both of Virginia; one stepson, Clifford Mims, (CA); one step-daughter, Annese Merrit, (CA); 10 grandchildren (CA); six grandchildren (VA); one great-grandson (CA); two aunts, Ethel Everett (Morris) and Irma Lawrence, both of Virginia; one brother-in-law, Solomon Mims, (CA); nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends and his Franklin “fellas.” Harold also leaves his lifelong best friend Aaron (Tunk) Majette.

The funeral will be on Thursday, April 21, at 11 a.m. in Ebenezer A.M.E. Church 132 N. Stanislaus St., Stockton.

The memorial service will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, in Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1071 Carrsville Highway, where the Rev. Alfred D. Brown Sr. is senior pastor.

Information provided by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com.