Please celebrate the life of Butler Gray. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer all of us and his family great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial!
Butler was a valuable member of our team. He was always ready to help a colleague and genuinely was a giver rather than a taker. We all will miss him....
When I arrived at USIA in 1999, Butler's was a name everyone knew, especially the writers for the Washington File. He joined the IIP Web Shop a few weeks before I did in 2001, and we worked together ever since.
He was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia... moreWhen I arrived at USIA in 1999, Butler's was a name everyone knew, especially the writers for the Washington File. He joined the IIP Web Shop a few weeks before I did in 2001, and we worked together ever since.
He was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, but he loved all sports and he could talk about any high school, college, or pro team you cared to discuss. Because we were both early birds, we’d often spend the first hour of Mondays swapping analysis of the weekend’s college and pro games.
Always low-key, quick with a laugh, and always ready to jump in and help whenever asked, he and I had seen it all and done most of it.
Some of our colleagues who have moved on to other agencies or retirement shared these comments about Butler:
“He was always wickedly deadpan & sarcastic. Great guy to work with all those years.”
“Butler was such a calming presence. Working with Butler there was never, ever any drama, just a “what do we need to get done? Ok, let’s do it” attitude. I always marveled at his ability to stay so level headed in difficult times.”
“Butler was top flight. We would often talk EARLY in the morning when in the office. I remember working closely with him over much of my 38 year career. Always a pro and very knowledgeable.”
“Butler was such a dear sweet person. He was a awesome co worker and he was well liked. His meatballs were the bomb.”
I remember running into Butler every morning back when he was part of the Infocentral Office and later on as part of the Digital Office. He was always the first one in the office, always smiling, friendly and a great colleague. God bless you and your... moreI remember running into Butler every morning back when he was part of the Infocentral Office and later on as part of the Digital Office. He was always the first one in the office, always smiling, friendly and a great colleague. God bless you and your family. You will be missed. less
Butler was friendly, reliable, and helpful; when he took something on, it was as good as done. He was always smiling (and sometimes laughing over practical jokes; I heard he once changed someone’s screen to black text on a black background, leaving... moreButler was friendly, reliable, and helpful; when he took something on, it was as good as done. He was always smiling (and sometimes laughing over practical jokes; I heard he once changed someone’s screen to black text on a black background, leaving them wondering how to fix their monitor). His calm demeanor helped us all through crises, and his helpful attitude made everyone’s life easier. I loved that we shared a lifelong devotion to public service. Sadly, I never got meet Butler in person because of COVID; my entire tenure at State so far has been teleworking. Still, we spent lots of time on video over the past year, and I'll miss talking with him about our families, football, and what’s going on in the world.
Butler, your smile will stay with me, and your dedication to excellence will continue to shine through your work for the State Department. Shateara, we all grieve with and for you and your family. May your memories help you at this very difficult time. less
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