Mr. Samuel Butler

Mr. Samuel Elliott Butler was born on October 22, 1947, in Newport News, Virginia to the late Murphy and Allie Butler. A man of remarkable dedication, intellect, and warmth entered eternal rest on June 8, 2026.

Samuel’s life was defined by a profound commitment to education, mentorship, and community. He was a proud 1965 graduate of Carver High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from North Carolina A&T State University in 1969 and later earned a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision (Secondary Level) from Hampton University.

A passionate and inspiring educator, Samuel began his career teaching U.S. History in 1969 at Bethel High School in Hampton, VA. His natural leadership led him to serve as the Assistant Principal at Kecoughtan High School in 1993, a role held with distinction until his retirement in 2006. Even after retiring, his enduring love for students and schools kept him active as a trusted substitute administrator until 2021. Beyond the classroom, Samuel was an enthusiastic mentor to young athletes, serving as an assistant football coach and the head basketball coach at Bethel High School.

As a respected leader within the local educational community, he cherished the camaraderie and professional bonds shared as a member of close-knit, six-person lunch group composed of Hampton School District Administrators. He was deeply engaged in his community and professional circles, holding active memberships in the Carver High School Class of 1965 Alumni Association, the OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at Hampton University, the Virginia High School League Coaches Association, and Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.

Samuel’s entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant personality shone through his work as a professional barber. He held the distinct honor of being the very first barber in the New Student Union at North Carolina A&T State University, and he later became the proud owner of Family Barber Shop.

An avid traveler and energetic sports enthusiast, Samuel was a fiercely loyal, lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He brought joy, wisdom, and a welcoming spirit to every room he entered.

Samuel was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Murphy and Allie Butler; his respected father-in-law, Needham Wiggins; his dear brother-in-law, Stephen Wiggins (Ann); and his brother-in-law, John Fowler. He leaves to cherish his precious memories with his devoted wife of 36 years, Debra Butler; his proud son, Sean Elliott and his loving daughter, Lauren Elizabeth-Ann (Joshua). He is also survived by his caring and loving sister, Wilma Jean Fowler. His legacy of love continues through his dedicated mother-in-law, Gloria Wiggins; his cherished nephews, Christopher Fowler, S. Westley Wiggins (Jessy), Kristopher Wiggins (Ashley) and Michael Wiggins; his beloved godson, Morocco Brown; special lifelong friends, Nelson Gaskill (Addie) and Findolph Taylor; and a host of other loving relatives, dear friends and professional associates.

The family has requested that In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the GIST Cancer Research Fund or the Williamsburg Peninsula Alumni Chapter of NC A&T University Scholarship Fund (Contact James Holloway - Williamsburg Peninsula Alumni@gmail.com

It is the Butler family's desire that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. 

The family of Mr. Samuel Butler has entrusted his final care to C.C. Carter Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Samuel Butler, please visit our floral store.