Reverend Johnnie Ray Butts, 59, of San Mateo, was the youngest of four children born to Johnnie B. and Rose (Douglas) Butts. He was born in Palatka on Thursday, February 9, 1956. During his childhood, he was a member of 2nd Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, San Mateo. "Ray" as he was affectionately known, loved playing kickball and softball with his two older brothers and cousins on the Old San Mateo brick road. He was a 1974 graduate of Palatka South High School. During high school, he was an avid athlete, playing both football and softball. As a result of his superb athletic abilities, he was awarded a football scholarship to attend South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC., as an offensive lineman.

Upon graduation, he returned home where he developed a passionate love for all children, but was especially gifted to counsel and mentor troubled youth. He was initially employed with the Putnam County School District in 1979, providing a total of 22 years (1979-1982; 1994-2013) of serving within the district as a Teacher/Coach/Dean in numerous schools, including the former District Opportunity Center/Gateway/Solution Center Alternate School; Beasley and Q.I. Roberts Middle Schools, respectively retiring in 2013 to serve full-time in Pastoral Ministry. In the midst of his Putnam County career, he held a supervisory position at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine (1982-1994).

On December 28, 1985, Johnnie Ray was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Gwendolyn Oliver. He was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Federal Point, under the pastoral guidance of Reverend Robert Sharp. In 2002, he answered the call into the Gospel Ministry and faithfully served until he was appointed and ordained to become Pastor. In 2009, in pursuit of pastoral credentials, Reverend Butts earned a Certificate of Theology from the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA. He served as 2nd Vice Moderator of the St. Johns River Baptist Association and President of Minister's & Deacon's Union #2. He was an avid Miami Heat fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching all types of sports, especially basketball and football. He was preceded in eternal rest by his parents. On Friday evening, January 15, 2016, at 6:15 p.m., Johnnie Ray completed his final earthly assignment and successfully consummated the swift transition to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his new Heavenly mansion, prepared exclusively for him.

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife of 30 years, Gwendolyn Oliver Butts, San Mateo; "like a son" , Jakeem Perry, Daytona Beach; "like a daughter" , Briana Davis, Florahome; brothers, Elder Joseph A. (Bonnie) Butts, Palm Desert, CA; Keith L. Butts, Hinesville, GA; Carl A. (Kiwani) Jackson, Jr., Palatka; sister , Jeanne E. White, Palatka; aunts, Vera Douglas, Palatka, Louise Douglas, Hastings, Onedia Jackson, Detroit, MI, Leona Oliver, Putnam Hall; Sarah Oliver, Fairfax, SC., brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Reverend Emanuel (Pauline) Oliver, St. Augustine; Yvonne O. Freeman, Palatka; godchildren, Keith Hall, Jr. and Trinity Howard; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, church family and dear friends.

Visitation of family and friends at Mount Tabor is 5-8 p.m., Friday, January 22. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, January 23, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor. Reverend Gregory L. James, Moderator of the St. Johns River Baptist Association of the Florida General Baptist Convention, Pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Hastings, is the Eulogist. Interment will be in the San Mateo Cemetery.