1949-2026
Richard Michael “Mike” Butts, age 76, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026. He was a pioneer in the field of information technology and a beloved husband and friend.
Born at Pine Bluff on December 3, 1949, he was a son of the late Lee Gladston Butts and Patsy Ruth Hoobler Butts. He spent his early years on the Pine Bluff Arsenal until age 14. His family then moved out to the White Hall community where he graduated from high school in 1968. He furthered his education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Mike went to work at Simmons Bank in 1968 as a computer programmer. Working with the bank’s first computer, he wrote several commercial banking codes. He continued at Simmons until 1986, when he worked for First Commercial National Bank in Little Rock. After 20 years of service, he retired from FIS (Fidelity Information Services) in Little Rock.
After retirement, Mike pursued his interest in home furnishings and décor, establishing two shops, Imagine and Treasures in White Hall. He and his wife, Barbara, still maintained a booth at Carrie Scott’s Antiques.
He was a member of First Methodist Church of Pine Bluff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronnie Butts and Jimmy Butts; and his beloved dog, Ranger.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Crawford Butts, whom he married on August 7, 1970 at White Hall; a brother, Steve Butts of Pine Bluff; many nieces and nephews; his little dog, Barkley; and his cats, Chatty Mae and Chevy .
Visitation will be Saturday, March 21, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff. The memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinsons.org
