Primus Benton Butler, III was born July 18, 1937 to Primus Benton Butler, Jr. and Mary Louise Butler in  St. Petersburg, FL. He was the eldest of five children. A lifelong resident, Primus was a proud 1955 graduate of Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg and attended Florida A&M University, where he played trumpet in the world-renowned Marching 100.  

Primus joined the ancestors on July 17, 2024 following a brief illness. Primus was a talented singer, musician and sportsman. He was a member of the 10th St. Church of God since childhood, where he served as a member of the choir for many years.  During his younger years, he would play trumpet solos at the church during the Christmas holidays. Primus had a love for the outdoors. One of his greatest pleasures growing up was fishing and hunting with his siblings. 

Primus was an avid sports fan who enjoyed many sports. However, nothing surpassed Primus' love for golf. He excelled at golf and could be found enjoying a round of golf with friends at one of many golf courses in and around St. Pete. His trophy case was full of trophies highlighting his skills. Primus served as a volunteer coach with the St. Pete Little Devils Youth Football Organization for many years. He was very passionate about the game of football and working with the youth in the program.

Primus is preceded in death by his loving parents, Primus Jr. and Louise; one brother, Harold; his sister, Sylvia Henderson; brother-in-law, Edward Melvin Henderson, Sr. and sister-in-law, Eva Butler; as well as many more beloved ancestors.

Primus leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Teresa Brown (Gerald); a son, Eric “Rick” Jenkins (Jan); two brothers, Kenneth (Millicent) and Ronald, Sr. (Adrienne); granddaughter, Lesley Brown; grandson, Terrence Brown (Erin); nieces, Lisa Edwards, Sharita Tankard (Lionel), Robyn Cuthbert (Aaron) and Nicole Lewis (Kenyon); nephews, Edward Henderson, Jr. (Kristine) and Ronald Butler, Jr.; 1st cousins: Belvin Brown Jr, Lauren Jordan (Frederick), Oretha “Rita” Pope, Lawrence Pope, Jr. (Jacqueline), Michael Brown (Laila); family friend, Elizabeth Jenkins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel, 1534 18th Avenue S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705, at 1:00 pm. The Repast followed the service at the Sunshine Senior Center 330 5th Street N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 

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