Ahead of Wednesday evening’s public visitation, colleagues and others shared memories of former Cumberland County Sheriff Earl “Moose” Butler, who died Sunday.
“Sheriff Butler was personal,” Sheriff Ennis Wright said to ABC11. “He was a man that enjoyed people, enjoyed taking care of people. That was just him.”
Butler was at the helm of the office during a time of many accomplishments, including the construction of a new detention facility, the building of a training center that is named in his honor, and the establishment of a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers.
“I look at how he came into office and took this sheriff’s office and just turned it around,” Wright said.
Butler took his love for law enforcement to state-level activities as well. He served on the Governor’s Crime Commission and pulled a tour as president of the N.C. Sheriff’s Association.
Most people will remember him as someone they could count on to do his best on the job and for the county, Cumberland County Commissioner At-Large Charles Evans said to ABC11.
“They loved him because he gave a lot of respect to the people that voted for him,” he said. “That helped people to gravitate toward him because of his sincerity and compassion.”
Butler grew up in the area. He played football for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and had a brief career in the NFL, where he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Afterward, he returned to Cumberland County and served in various capacities before being elected sheriff.
“He had a great beginning and humble beginnings, and hard work was a great part of that,” Pastor Tim Evans said. “If that door was open, he was here. But, seeing the sign is a reminder of stability and a person who made a difference, who loved his family.”
Visitation was set for Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home. Funeral services, with limited seating, begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Massey Hill Baptist Church.
