They say that the net worth of a man's life is in the love he has for others, and the love that others have for him. By this measure, J.D. Butler was a very wealthy man. J.D. went to meet his heavenly father on Oct. 1, 2013, surrounded by his family and bathed in their love for him, at peace and free from pain at last.

J.D. lived a life of service. Service to his country - he completed 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in such faraway places as Japan, Thailand and Libya. Service to his community - he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Chatsworth for another 22 years, where he knew and chatted with most everybody in town. J.D. was always there for his family, always willing to help out and always willing to give advice on almost any topic. We knew he always loved us unconditionally.

Joe David Butler was born on Dec. 18, 1932, in Ramhurst. His parents, William Taylor Butler and Beulah Mullinax Butler, and a brother, William Butler, preceded him in death. A sister, Janet Butler Stock, survives him.

J.D. loved life. He came back from the Air Force and settled with his wife Jeannette and children in Spring Place in the house where he resided for the next 40 years. He and Jeannette were active members of First Baptist Church of Chatsworth. He was also a Mason.

He was passionate about his Braves, cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, and working in his yard. But he loved his family above all. We are his loving wife of 58 years, Jeannette Waldrop Butler, and his three lovely daughters, Sandy Ruark of Canton, Vickie Gilstrap of Canton and Becky Teagle of Dallas. J.D. and Jeannette were blessed with seven grandchildren: Shane Jones of Canton, Ryan Jones of Houston, Texas, Adam Ruark of Canton, Katie Ruark of New York City, and Jessica, Shannon and Lillian Teagle of Dallas. Also two beautiful great-grandchildren, John Marshall and Olivia Jones of Canton. He also had two sons-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

If you knew J.D. and want to pay your respects please come by. We would love to see you. And if you have a funny story or two about J.D., all the better. Although our hearts are heavy, our spirits are buoyed in the knowledge that J.D. is now in a far better place.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 1 p.m. from the chapel of Jones Funeral Home of Chatsworth with the Rev. George Ross officiating.

Burial will be in Chatsworth Heights Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in memory of J.D. Butler to First Baptist Church of Chatsworth, 121 W. Market St., Chatsworth, GA 30705.

Online condolences may be offered at www.jjonesfuneralhome.com.

Jones Funeral Home of Chatsworth is in charge of the funeral arrangements.