In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Zelda “Chico” Thomas Buttrey, and his brothers, Sterling Dee Buttrey, Jr. and Steve Buttrey.

He is survived by his children, Brian (Ginger) Buttrey of Centerville, Tennessee; Tinisha (Matthew) Weigelt of Roanoke, Indiana; and Samantha (Chris) Dansby of Columbia, Tennessee. A devoted grandfather, Brian leaves behind six grandchildren: Janelle Buttrey, Zaniya Dansby, James-Lawrence Weigelt, Isaac Weigelt, Maya Buttrey, and Halle Buttrey, as well as one great-grandchild, Ja’Naya Buttrey. He is also survived by his sisters, Phyllis Buttrey and Debbie Castillo, and his brothers, Jason (Sun) Buttrey and Damon Buttrey.

Brian served his country honorably, and it was during this time that he met the love of his life, Chico. Together, they faced the world’s challenges with love and joy for 35 years until her passing from cancer in 2011. In Brian’s own words, “it was us against the world,” and their bond remained steadfast through all adversity.

A man of loyalty and integrity, Brian didn’t trade old friends for new ones. His home was a sanctuary, welcoming not only his children’s friends but their friends as well. He spent years as a dedicated coach in football, t-ball, and baseball, rarely missing a game, even when his children went off to college.

With the heart of a lion and the mindset of a wolf, Brian lived his life devoted to providing a better future for his family. He was a “simple kind of man,” whose love, strength, and understanding left a lasting legacy on everyone who knew him.