Funeral Services Set for Mayor Emeritus Hot Butler

Special to The Bolton News

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Mayor Emeritus Lawrence "Hot" Butler, a longtime public servant and beloved community leader whose impact on Bolton and the surrounding area spanned more than five decades.

According to family members, Butler specifically requested that his services be held at Elbethel Missionary Baptist Church, a congregation he faithfully loved and supported throughout his life.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Elbethel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 301 Raymond Bolton Road in Bolton.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the church. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the service at 9 a.m.

Family members noted that the early service time was intentional and reflected Butler's personality.

"Hot was very clear that he did not want a long, drawn-out service," the family said in a statement. "In true Hot Butler fashion, he wanted everyone to come, laugh, cry if you needed to, celebrate his life, and then keep it moving. Even now, he's still trying to run things."

The Butler family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received since his passing.

"Our family sincerely appreciates the many prayers, calls, visits and expressions of love shown during this difficult time," the statement said. "We ask that you continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will never be forgotten."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Butler's memory to Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in honor of his beloved great-nephews, Tyree and Kyree Coleman, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to any Mississippi historically Black college or university.

The family said the selected organizations reflect Butler's lifelong commitment to supporting children and investing in future generations.

Butler, affectionately known throughout the community as "Hot," was widely respected for his dedication to public service, his leadership and his unwavering commitment to the people of Bolton. His legacy continues to be remembered by family, friends and countless residents whose lives he touched over the years.