Joseph E. Butler

December 15, 1917 - August 28, 2008

Joseph E. Butler, 90, native son of Irwinton, GA, passed away August 28, 2008 in Bethesda, Maryland. Son of the late Judge Joseph E. & Fleta Nesbit Butler, he attended Middle GA College & Georgia Tech. Joe entered the military at age 23, became a flight instructor in Pensacola, FL; was stationed in London; was an aircraft commander in the South Pacific and was part of the Special Devices Center, Long Island, NY. He invented the rotational camera technology for low altitude dive-bombing for the Navy. Joe was a Naval Aviator, flying off carriers in the Pacific in WWII. He was the Operation Officer for Strike Command and along with his friend, Colonel Frank Bacon of Irwinton, they were based on New Britain Island in the Solomons. Joe's many awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. He flew more dive-bombing missions than any other pilot in the South Pacific Theatre. Joe was instrumental in the development of the guidance system for the Polaris Missile Program. Through his company he founded, Airtronics, Inc., a Maryland based manufacturer of military electronic instruments and communication devices, he & his associate Wehner von Braun, German V-2 Rocket fame and later chief scientist with NASA, who helped put America on the moon. Widower of Anne Sacks Butler and preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Lee Sedgwick, Mr. Butler and his family are included in the Book, The Wilkinson County History, the Butler Family & Other Pioneer Family Decendents. Survivors include: Son: Joseph E. (JEB) Butler, III-Bethesda, MD Granddaughter: JoAnne Coles-Maryland Friend & Caretaker: Elizabeth Robinson-Maryland Nieces: Jane W. Swift, Gail W. Kitchens & Sheryl C. Haney-Atlanta Nephew: Morris Claxton-Atlanta Graveside services for Mr. Joseph E. Butler will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 at 11 AM in the Irwinton Masonic Cemetery with Military Rites. Rev. Bob Murphy officiating. In Lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to the Old Union Church, Irwinton, GA. WILLIAMS-WHITE COLUMNS FUNERAL HOME IN GORDON, GEORGIA IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.