Charlie Wallace Butts, age 87, of Cochran, Georgia, passed away at home on September 3, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in the chapel of Mathis Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Wallace was born at home on July 29, 1939, in Bleckley County. On May 13, 1964, he married Margaret (Ayer). He served his country during the Vietnam War and later returned home to work as a civil servant at Robins AFB. But what really mattered, and what was deeply rooted to his core, was farming.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Pauline Purser Butts. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ruthie B. McCain, JE Butts, Sara Ann Butts, Sue B. Hall and Johnny Butts.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Butts, his son, Johnny Butts (Ginger); his grandsons, Ronny Butts (Becca), Cody Butts (Jordan), Kyle Butts (Emy Smith); great grandson, Matt Butts and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Wallace farmed in Bleckley County his entire life. From childhood, he did his share on the family farm, as was expected in those days. Later, while working at the base, he balanced civil service and farming until retirement allowed him to farm full time. Farming was not simply his livelihood; it was his life.

He put much care in tending the family land, and other land entrusted to him, by making sure the land he worked look good. Over time, that work became a generational endeavor with his family.

Johnny, his only son, and Ronny, his first grandchild, worked with him for most of their lives. In 2008, Johnny officially started Butts Farm. Over the years, farming with Wallace became a family affair and part of the “rhythm” of family life.

He came to be known as “Papa,” a name first given to him by Ronny. That name was later affectionately used as well by his other two grandsons, Cody and Kyle, and by his great-grandson, Matt, for more than four decades. The boys carry fond memories of “farming” with Papa while they were growing up, memories closely tied to the land and to the many hours spent with him.

As he grew older and the boys moved away, his name evolved once more. His daughter-in-law, Ginger, began calling him “Pops,” and that name remained with him in his later years. Their relationship was special, and they spent much time together as she cared for his medical needs.

The most significant moment in his life came on August 24, 2026. Through Georgia Hospice, Pops came to realize his need for a Savior. Ten days before his passing, he accepted the gift of salvation offered through Jesus. It took him 87 years, but God is so long-suffering that none should die!

Although he will be missed greatly, his family truly rejoices that Pops life ended in the best way possible—-a son of God!