Billy Jacob Butts, 71, of Walnut Ridge passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born August 1, 1947 in Walnut Ridge to Cecil and Nola Hathcock Butts. He married Julia Chadister on July 1, 1987 in O'kean. Billy was retired from LACO Manufacturing and was a member of Old Walnut Ridge Baptist Church.

Preceding him in death were: his parents; a son, Wade Benton; and a brother, Bobby Butts.

He is survived by his wife, Julia of the home; son, Nathan Benton of Walnut Ridge, Forest Benton of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters, Renee Thomen of Doniphan, Missouri and Roxann and Ken Kenner of Paragould; sister, Carole Butts of Hoxie; grandchildren, Courtney Williams, Jessica Lassiter, Brittany Blair, Craig Bass, Jeff Johnson, Trey Johnson, Derek Benton, Blain Smith, Roger Thomen, and Kyle Kenner; eighteen great-grandchildren; Aunt, Sybil Butts of Walnut Ridge; and a dear friend and cousin, Danny Madden of Hoxie.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Danny Madden, Ricky Madden, Brandon Sluder, Ricky Sluder, Ken Kenner, and Shawn Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff Johnson, Trey Johnson and Roger Thomen.