DAVID ISAIAH “HEAVY D” BUTLER

David Isaiah Butler, Sr. (affectionately known as “Heavy” or “Heavy D”) was born on October 9, 1972 in Leonardtown, Maryland to the late Margaret Louise and Philip Leo Butler. David was raised in Oakville, where he lived all of his life in a community of family and many close friends. As a youth, David attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with his family in Lexington Park, Maryland. He valued the fellowship of the friends and enjoyed talking about various Bible topics.

David attended St. Mary’s County public schools. He loved tinkering with cars and could often be found over at Claude Medley’s Garage. David was a car enthusiast and was making plans to build and show off his 1983 Buick, which he finally got to test for the first time at Capital Raceway less than one month ago. He would spend a lot of time at the track with his son DJ and friends. His long-time close friend Tyrone Holton gave him his first race car, which undoubtedly led to David’s increased interest in race cars. On the side during his younger years, David enjoyed assisting his father and Uncle Bundy as a carpenter understudy, assisting with trim work as they worked on building projects. David had an entrepreneurial spirit and had several businesses, including snow removal, landscaping and excavation. He was also in the trucking business.

In August 2000, David became the proud father of a baby girl, Dymond Butler. Dymond was, as the saying goes, “the apple of his eye,” truly special. Dymond never hesitated to be there whenever her Dad needed her. They enjoyed many outings together and talked often. In 2005, David met his longtime companion, Kelly Braxton. Kelly was a great support for David. Kelly, her daughter Kalea and David immediately became a family. In March 2010, a new addition was added to the family. David’s namesake, David Isaiah Butler Jr., affectionately known as DJ, was born. If you saw David, you also saw DJ. They were inseparable. David was never shy about expressing his love and devotion for his children.

David had a very close relationship with each of his siblings. His oldest sister Audrey, a nurturer by nature, thought it was her “job” to be protective over her little brother David, especially concerning his health. He talked to his sister Jacqueline every day on the phone, discussing family news or events, strategizing future endeavors and friendly debates about politics. He was very close with his big brother Phil. They were always together and made lots of mischief as kids, once even driving a car into Uncle George’s neighbor’s house — just one of many adventures those two shared together. As adults, Phil and David grew even closer, spending lots of time together at “The House.” David also spent much time with his sister Karren, who lives in Georgia. He enjoyed taking his entire family on road trips to visit her and to see historic sites, and taking them to places they had never been before. He made sure to find fun things for his family to do every weekend. David was blessed to have many close relationships with people in his life. He cherished his very special, lifelong friendship with Tyrone Holton and the Holton family who embraced him like a son, and very special, lifelong friendships with Eddie Butler and his childhood friend Brian Green. He was blessed even more with the close relationships he had with many of his uncles and aunts. He always looked forward to his weekly chats with his Uncle Bundy, Uncle Joe and Uncle George.

David took pride in the King & Kennedy and Oakville communities. He loved his neighborhood and always found it to be a place of comfort. In June 2022, David collaborated with key stake holders in the King & Kennedy Day 50th Anniversary celebration, where he and community members captured the history and pivotal milestones within the development. They used this as an opportunity to honor those that were critical in the development of the community. He was awarded the Ben Cardin Congressional award for his contributions. This event brought much joy to the neighborhood and set an excellent example for the youth. Additionally, David helped the senior members within the community, assisting wherever possible. David was the person to call whenever you needed to get something done. If he didn’t know how to do it, he knew someone who did. He was very resourceful.

David had love and deep respect for his Creator, Jehovah God. He had unwavering confidence and faith in the Bible’s promises for the future, and very recently demonstrated his faith by making the decision to study the Bible every week. Shortly before his passing, David mentioned to his friend Robin: “I’m gonna do what I need to do so my children will get to know the true God, Jehovah.” He was a man of his word.

David was passionate about health advocacy. At the age of 13, he was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes. He managed this diagnosis for over 35 years. He was determined to overcome the challenges he faced. He spent much time educating himself and others about kidney disease and dialysis. During the time he spent at dialysis sessions, he would voice his concerns and kept up with all things concerning his health. David would take each health challenge head on and recently survived and beat a colon cancer diagnosis in 2022. He attributed his success in fighting cancer to his heavenly father Jehovah and his determination to be here for his family.

On Sunday, March 26, 2023, David transitioned to rest. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Louise Butler; father, Philip Leo Butler (affectionately known as “Chum”); paternal grandmother, Sarah White (Butler); maternal grandmother, Mary Etta Dyson and maternal grandfather, William Howard Dyson. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his longtime companion, Kelly Braxton, his children Dymond, Kalea, David Jr. (“DJ” & “Little Man”), brother Phil Jr. (Anjuan), sisters Audrey (Larry), Jacqueline (the late Robert Lee Briscoe), Karren, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Family and friends will unite on Thursday, April 6, 2023 for visitation at 10 am until time of service at 11am at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD.  Interment to follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, 26325 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

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