Charles Edwin Butterworth

A longtime resident of Birmingham, Chuck Butterworth died on April 18, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born in Charlottesville, Va., in 1948. Chuck's childhood took him to Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Maryland due to his father's career as a military physician, before the family settled in Birmingham in 1958. In 1966, he graduated from Shades Valley High School, where he was voted Class Musician. He went on to Auburn University, where he earned a degree in Communications. He began his career teaching at Auburn and later worked as an Audio/Visual professional.

His devotion to music dates back to 1962, when he was a founding member of The Bassmen. In the decades that followed, he played in a variety of bands, including The Showmen, The Candy Store Prophets, Maybe Mary, and Lost in the Ozone. His musical aspirations led him to Nashville, where he began a storied career as a singer-songwriter and working musician. Over the years, he wrote more than 450 songs and taught guitar to countless young musicians. But Chuck's creative passions didn't end there. He was a gifted painter, photographer, videographer, and recording engineer–always documenting the beauty that surrounded him. Chuck brought a legendary wit and humor to both lyrics and life.

Chuck expressed his Christian faith through action. He served for many years as a volunteer and board member with Metro West Ministries, supporting the needs of Birmingham's homeless community. He was an active and regular volunteer with Community Ministries at Highlands United Methodist Church. These are among many causes he chose to support through his good works.

Chuck is survived by his lifelong friend and beloved wife Mary; his son Charlie (Claire); sister Janey and brother Craig (Betty); stepchildren Jay (Ashley), Will, and Wright Johnson; and grandchildren Gunter (Isabel), Evans, Graham, Gaines, Willow, Leila, Adelaide, Charlie Jr., and Daniel. He is also survived by a large blended family of adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Family and friends will greatly miss the many music nights Chuck initiated over the years. He is predeceased by his parents, Joyce Craig Butterworth and C.E. Butterworth, Jr., MD.

Funeral services will be held at Highlands United Methodist Church in Birmingham, on Wednesday April 22, at 12 noon, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Metro West Ministries, Beloved Community Church, or the Community Ministries program at Highlands United Methodist Church.