Obituary of Louis S. Butterworth

Louis S. Butterworth, 91, of Baldwin, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023. Louis was born on July 6, 1932, in Talladega, AL, the oldest of nine children to parents Virgil and Pauline (Sexton) Butterworth. Born and raised on a farm in Talladega, Alabama, Louis exhibited an early determination and resilience that would define his life. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Jacksonville State College in Alabama with a degree in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics. His education and upbringing provided a foundation for a distinguished career marked by hard work and dedication. After college, Louis was commissioned out of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) into the United States Army in the Chemical Corps stationed at Fort McClellan, AL. As part of his duties, he was ordered to Nevada, where he monitored nuclear tests in Frenchman's Flat during the 1950s. His service to our country culminated in his retirement from the Army Reserves as a Colonel. Following his time on active duty, Louis embarked on a successful industrial career. He worked for Goodyear Atomic at the Piketon Gaseous Diffusion Plant and then Bettis Westinghouse, where he retired as a respected nuclear scientist. Away from his professional life, Louis was a man of deep faith. He was a longtime member of Pittsburgh Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school and served as a deacon for many years, sharing his faith and wisdom with others and serving on various church committees and boards. Louis enjoyed the outdoors. He had a special love for his garden and “mom’s flowers” and helping his neighbors. But above all, he loved his family, who were a constant source of joy and pride for him. Louis was the loving father of Steven L. (Judith McGill) Butterworth and T. Lynn (John Rendinaro) Butterworth; the grandfather of Philip (Crystal), Timothy (Swathi), Christina, Joanna, Nathaniel (Dawn) and Andrew; and the great grandfather to Steven, Larissa, Scarlet, Eliana, Gwen, Aoife, and Misha. Louis also leaves his siblings, Virgil Butterworth, Jr., Betty Barnwell, Willard Butterworth, Phillip Butterworth and Frank Butterworth, and many nieces and nephews. Louis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary C. Butterworth, and siblings, Bessy Nell Johnson, Billy R. Butterworth, and Polly Jo Wingo. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A service in celebration of Louis will be held in the funeral home’s chapel at 7:00 pm. Burial will be held at a later date in Alabama. Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega assisting family with arrangements in Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Louis may be made to Big Oak Ranch, PO Box 507, Springville, AL 35146. Interment in Talladega, AL.