Charles Ayden Butler, III

Ayden Butler, 51, of Hickory, NC passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 11, 2024. He was born on August 3, 1972 in Petersburg, VA to Gayle Butler and the late Charles Ayden Butler, Jr. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Morganton. Ayden was granted a full baseball scholarship to East Carolina University and held the single game record for strike outs at ECU for twenty -two years. At Freedom High School, he recorded 300 strike outs: he was a natural south paw pitcher. He was a manager of clients with intellectual disabilities. He worked at Salem Industries in Gastonia. Ayden loved helping people in a variety of roles. He enjoyed helping individuals who struggled and helping the community. Ayden loved music and playing the guitar. He was a friend to many people.

Ayden is survived by his son, Hunter Lee Butler; brother, Hank Butler (Shelley) and nephews, Stuart and Jack Butler; sister, Caroline Warner Butler.

A Celebration of Life for Ayden will be held from 1pm-4pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in the Jack Bass Memorial Building, Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Health Care, 327 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.