James "Butch" Phifer

James Milton (Butch) Phifer, resident of Elkton, TN, departed this world to his heavenly home on January 26, 2021 at age 87. Butch was born on August 21, 1933 to Edmond Rice and Mildred Cathey Davis Phifer in Lewisburg, TN. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his siblings: Calvin Phifer, Lillian Phifer, Adron (Pee Wee) Phifer, Edmond Rice Phifer, Jr., Elizabeth Foster, and Betty Clay.

Butch attended Farmington School in Marshall County. Butch ran a milk truck route for almost 15 years and worked for Bill Derryberry Company for around 15 years until his retirement. He was a farmer and grew tobacco for many years and tended a garden every year up to 2020. He was a member of the Farmington Baseball team in the early 50’s. He was an avid baseball fan and could be seen at the local parks when his grandchildren were playing ball. Butch also had a passion for fishing and enjoyed going with his family up until 2020.

Butch was married 58 years to Betty Sue Batten, having married November 23, 1962 at the home of Reverend Bill and Barbara Turner. Butch was a member of Community Baptist Church in Ardmore, AL. Butch had many friends in life and was known for telling jokes and stories about his fishing adventures.

Butch is survived by his wife, Sue, son Steve (Robbie) Phifer of Elkton, TN, and daughter Dawn (Jerry) Luttrell of Lewisburg, TN, four grandchildren: Logan Phifer of Elkton, TN, Kayla Phifer-Smith (Brody) of Ardmore, AL, Dustin Luttrell (fiancé Lindsay Fletcher and son Spencer) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Hollie Luttrell of Lewisburg, TN. He is also survived by brothers Bill (Fay) Phifer, Jack Phifer, and sisters, Sue Harwell, Dot Parsons, all of Lewisburg, TN, and Linda (Doug) Shaddy of Belfast, TN.

Visitation will be held at Lawrence Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, TN from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, January 29, 2021 at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Hargrove will officiate. Burial will follow at Hopper Cemetery in Laws Hill Community of Marshall County, TN.

Pallbearers are Dustin Luttrell, Logan Phifer, Brody Smith, Gary Turner, Gary Hargrove, Sammy Shackleford, Paul Mitchell, Pete Whitt, Scot Bush, Butch Gibson, and Hoyt Mason.

The family encourages masks to be worn at visitation and the funeral and to practice social distancing.

Lawrence Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Chapel Hill, TN is in charge of the arrangements. (931)364-2233.