In Memoriam

Fallen Marine honored in Rowan County
Updated: 11/2/2005 7:10:59 PM
By: Shawn Flynn, News 14 Carolina

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Hundreds of family and friends said farewell Wednesday to Lance Cpl. Kenneth James Butler, a U.S. Marine who was recently killed in Iraq.

Butler, a 19-year-old from Landis, was buried in Salisbury with full military honors.

“He gave his life for us in a very, very special way,” said the Rev. Fred Archer, one of Butler’s neighbors.

Butler, who was also called “Jay,” got the nickname “Cowboy” because he always wore a black Stetson hat around town. He was killed by a roadside bomb Oct. 21. 

During Wednesday’s memorial service, held in Kannapolis, Butler received a Purple Heart and a certificate of honorable service. He was remembered as a perfect gentleman who was brave and courageous.

“I never had the privilege of ever meeting Jay Butler, but I know he made a difference,” said Capt. Eric Jones of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Butler graduated from South Rowan High School in 2004. His family is asking people to send any donations they have to the school’s Future Farmers of America. Butler was involved with the organization while he was in school.