Julius Edward Butcher, 96

DOVER - Julius Edward Butcher, of Dover, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008, at home. He was 96.

He was born March 29, 1911, in Clayton, to the late Thomas and Frances Butcher.

Julius gave his life to Christ in his later years and joined Bethel AME Church in Smyrna.

He later resided in Felton and joined the Willow Grove Methodist Church.

Julius was educated in the Smyrna School system where he received a sixth-grade education.

He worked for George and Lynch, Pleasant and Edgell, which were contractors, and the Sun Oil Co. in Marcus Hook, Pa.

Julius started his own business as a plumber, Smyrna Sanitation, in his later years from which he retired.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura F. Butcher; one granddaughter, Sabina Wisher; and one grandson, Richard Butcher; and one great-grandson, Jermaine Davis

He leaves to cherish his memories, three daughters, Claretta Freeman of Texas, Laura Waterman of Wilmington and Dolores Anderson of Camden; three sons, Conwell Butcher and his wife Mattie of New York, Charles Butcher, and Julius Butcher and his wife Connie, all of Wilmington; 20 grandchildren; one step-grandson, Bruce Waterman; 56 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be at Sharon Hill Cemetery.