Rodger "Rod" Butler

Rodger M. Butler “Now, this is what most people don’t understand…” Rod Butler Rodger “Rod” Merlin Butler was born on April 19, 1947, to Charles Collins and Winifred Butler (Bayliss). The second of eight children, Rod was educated in the Camden, NJ public school system. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Camden County College. He went on to study at Southern Illinois University continuing to earn credits towards an undergraduate degree. Rod also served in the US Army, being honorably discharged in 1965. On November 18, 1967, Rod married Cynthia R. Blackshear – the love of his life. Having already dated since age 15, Rod and Cynthia embarked on an amazing, un-predictable and loving adventure together filled with lots of family, friends, and unending laughter. They first established their home in Camden and in 1976 moved to Atlanta, GA. Prior to raising a family, their life was filled with one adventure after another, including a “back-packing” excursion across Europe. Rod’s career eventually took them to Memphis, TN, New Brunswick, NJ and eventually, back to Atlanta. Known for his outrageous sense of humor, Rod was a constant source of little-known facts concerning every topic under the sun: music, art, religion, photography, travel, etc. He was an ace Pinochle player, a family Scrabble champion, and a huge fan of Jeopardy. He confidently described himself as “thee know-it-all” and even penned a novel titled “Unexpectedly”. Rod never met a stranger and would easily find humor in any situation. He was well known for his sometime brutal honesty and freely dispensed sound advice to young family members and friends. Rod began his music industry career in 1978 as a Customer Service Representative. He rose to the rank of Vice President, R&B Promotion at Capital Records, Orpheus/EMI Records, and Island Records, influencing the careers of Natalie Cole, Tina Turner, Freddie Jackson, and Alex Bugnon to name a few. Rod was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Janine Bayliss and one brother, Timothy Bayliss. He leaves to honor his memory his devoted wife, Cynthia; two sons, Coleman (Asya) and Miles. Three grandchildren, A’Nylah, Coleman, Jr., and Cali; two sisters, Darle Gardner, and Francesca Bayliss; three brothers, Les Bayliss, Herbert Bayliss and Charles Bayliss (Gloria); five sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. A memorial service will be held for Rod at a later date.