Charles Grafton

Charles H. "Butch" Grafton, age 70, died peacefully in his Newton, AL home on December 23, 2019, after a long battle with dementia. Butch is survived by his wife, Sharron Tharp Grafton; son, Will Grafton and his wife, Michelle; and granddaughters, Alexandra Grafton and Brooklyn Gouge. He is also survived by his 7 siblings, Bill Grafton, Evalinda Thebo, Elizabeth Miller, Jacque Word, Leighbird Robertson, Tish Stewart, and Rachel Hutton; and countless extended family with cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Butch was born in Memphis, TN and spent his younger years in Mobile, AL. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he earned several awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honored for his service while assigned to the 61st Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1971. After many years of service, he finished his military career as a Warrant Officer 4. He continued his career as a contract instrument flight instructor at Fort Rucker for more than 30 years, finishing that career in the examiners course, retiring in 2018. Additionally, he started a successful canoe rental business in Newton that ran for over 20 years. He is also noted for co-establishing the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association and served as the first president. Butch was part of a very large extensive family. He and his wife, Sharron, hosted countless charity, community, and family events at their home for close to 40 years. Butch was known for his high intellect and gritty whit. He loved to share his wealth of knowledge with everyone trying to make the world a better place for all of us. The family will be hosting an Open House Celebration of Life gathering at the Grafton house in Newton from 12-5pm on Jan 4, 2020. Friends and family are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to your favorite children’s charitable organization. The family will be hosting an Open House Celebration of Life gathering at the Grafton house in Newton from 12-5pm on Jan 4, 2020. Friends and family are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to your favorite children’s charitable organization.