Ferman Sylvester Butler Sr.

A Celebration of Life In Loving Memory of Ferman Sylvester Butler, Sr. Also known as “Skip,” “Skippy,” “Gator by Day,” “Spider by Night,” and “Captain” Sunrise: October 12, 1949 ~ Sunset: July 24, 2025 Ferman Sylvester Butler, Sr., was affectionately known by many names that captured his vibrant spirit - “Skip,” “Skippy,” “Gator by Day,” “Spider by Night,” and “Captain.” Ferman peacefully transitioned from this life into eternal rest on July 24, 2025, at the age of seventy-five (75), surrounded by love at Delaware Hospice in Milford, Delaware. Ferman’s earthly journey began on October 12, 1949, when he was born at Easton Memorial Hospital in Easton, Maryland to the late Elsie E. and William H. Jones. From the very beginning, Ferman embodied warmth, resilience, and a generous heart. Raised in Caroline County, Maryland, he began his educational path at Jonestown Elementary School in Preston, Maryland, continued at Lockerman High School, and proudly graduated from Colonel Richardson High School in Federalsburg, Maryland in the Class of 1968. In 1969, shortly after graduation, Ferman was drafted into the United States Army, where he faithfully served in the Vietnam War until 1974 as both an active duty and reserve soldier. Ferman wore the uniform with honor, dedicating his strength and courage to the defense of his country. Following his military service, Ferman transitioned into a life of community commitment and hard work. He was employed with General Foods (now Kraft Foods) for an impressive thirty-two (32) years, where he was known for his dedication, work ethic, and team spirit. Even after retirement, he continued giving back to his community through his work with the Dorchester County Public Schools, where he served for three more years, proving that service was more than a job - it was his calling. Ferman was the man you called when something needed fixing. A gifted handyman, carpenter, and jack-of-all-trades, he shared his time and talents freely. Whether it was fixing a broken step, building a bookshelf, a hand rail for a porch, or offering advice, his hands and heart were always open. His generosity reached far beyond tools and nails—he touched lives with his gift of gab, a warm smile, and conversation that could fill a room with laughter and love. He was an avid Amazon shopper, always with a package at the door or a deal to share. A fixture in his community, one of his favorite places to be was Russell’s Barbershop, where he could be found enjoying good company, good conversation, and lots of laughter with his cousin and dear friend Irvin Russell. Ferman was a proud and active member of the Masonic Temple and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5246 in Federalsburg, Maryland. His commitment to these organizations reflected his dedication to leadership, brotherhood, and continued service. In 2009, a new chapter of love and companionship began when Ferman met and married the love of his life, Mary Brooks-Ashley, on September 16, 2009. Their union was one of faith, friendship, laughter, and deep mutual respect. Together, they shared a life rich in memories, ministry, and a blended family. Ferman’s faith was the foundation of his life. He loved the Lord with all his heart. As a child, he began his spiritual journey attending Johns Church and Coppins Church in Preston, Maryland. His love for Jesus Christ only deepened with age. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and became a Lay Speaker at Mount Calvary United Methodist Church in Preston, Maryland. After relocating to Dover, Delaware, he joined Calvary Baptist Church, where he joyfully served in the hospitality ministry. In 2022, Ferman became a member of Faith Unity Fellowship Ministries, and was later ordained a Deacon. As being a faithful member of the church, if he saw a need, he was always willing to meet the need. He continued his walk with God and leading others by example, humility, and love. During the past year of illness, when Ferman’s health began to fail, his faith never wavered. He remained faithful to encourage and uplift others through social media as he would post on a daily basis, even causing some to receive salvation. Ferman’s legacy is one of faith, hard work, humility, and unwavering love. He was a soldier, a servant, a speaker, a fixer, a friend, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a brother, and a beloved soul to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie E. and William H. Jones, and siblings Larry Sharp, Donald Butler, Mable Jones, James Butler, and Doris Bolden. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Mary Butler of sixteen (16) years; his children, Lori of Bridgeville, Delaware, Ferman Butler, Jr. (Cindy) of Suffolk, Virginia, Shannon Butler, Leahana Butler, and Keiyana Kinsey, all of Dover, Delaware, Nakisha (Kenny) Mayo of Suffolk, Virginia and Yalonda (De) Kerneal of Camden Wyoming, Delaware. Ferman is also survived by his loving siblings: Deborah Jones of Easton, Maryland, Harriet Jones of Preston, Maryland, and Joni Dixon and Sadie Jones, both of Federalsburg, Maryland. He leaves behind a proud and beautiful legacy through: his grandchildren, Brianna, Devin, Elijah, Kayla and Khalil; twenty-seven (27) bonus grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; one sister in law, Rose Sharp; 3 brothers-in-law, Donald (Liz) Brooks, Bishop Glenn (Faith) Brooks and Elder Terrance (Tanya) Brooks, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, neighbors, and friends whose lives he touched deeply. Among those closest to his heart were his lifelong friends, Sherman Sharp and Maurice Sharp, both of whom remained by his side through life’s hills and valleys. Ferman’s memory will forever live on in the countless lives he impacted. He walked humbly, loved deeply, and served wholeheartedly. Though our hearts ache with his passing, we rejoice knowing he is at peace with the Savior he served so faithfully. We will miss your voice, your hands, your laughter, and your strength—but we know that “Captain” has simply moved on to higher orders. "Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23

Ferman Sylvester Butler Sr.

October 12, 1949 - July 24, 2025