Charlotte “Kay” Butler - age 74 of Maynardville passed away on June 21, 2026, at The University of Tennessee Medical Center surrounded by the love of her family. Born on December 4, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Kay lived a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. She was the beloved wife of Wayne D. Butler, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion.
Kay was preceded in death by loved ones who welcomed her home and leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Weave; brothers, Doyle Tyree, Kyle Tyree; sister, Faye Cook.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne D. Butler; her daughters, Christy Johnson and husband Billy, Charity McDowell and husband Jerry, Celena Boggs and bonus daughter, Nancy Thomas; nine grandchildren, Austin Helton (Randi), Haylea Hurst (Dylan), Zach Hurst (Kelsey), Jessica McDowell (Skylar), Kirsten Butler, Dallas Boggs (Morgan), Destiny Johnson (Kailee), Jeremy McDowell, Dylan Boggs (Brooke); ten great-grandchildren, Emma Kay, Maddy, Macy, Stella, Isla, Sadie, Kolson, Kain, Waylon, Lainey.

To know Kay was to love her. She was truly the life of the party, a firecracker with a big personality, a quick wit, and a heart even bigger than her smile. She loved traveling, gathering her family together, and making sure no one ever left her home hungry. Her cooking brought family and friends to the table, but it was her love, laughter, and ability to make everyone feel welcome that kept them there.

One of Kay’s proudest accomplishments was helping build Kay’s Market alongside her husband, Wayne. What began as a dream and years of hard work grew into a beloved Union County landmark, serving generations of families and becoming a cherished part of the community. Through her dedication, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, Kay helped create a lasting legacy that continues to serve the people of Maynardville and Union County today.
Above all else, Kay’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every holiday, reunion, birthday, and gathering where she could be surrounded by the people she loved. Her greatest legacy is not the business she helped build, but the family she nurtured, supported, and loved unconditionally.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her laughter, strength, generosity, and love will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her.
The family finds comfort in knowing that while Kay’s earthly journey has ended, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

Celebration of life 5-7 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Union County Little League, P.O. Box 1254, Maynardville, TN 37807.