Pallie Jim Smith Butler
Pallie Jim Smith Butler, 88, a most kind, sensitive, and caring lady passed away peacefully in her home on October 13, 2024 with her loving and devoted husband of 65 years at her side. She was born July 20, 1936, in East Tallassee, Ala. to Jewel Webster Smith and James Malcolm “Mac” Smith. She was named for her paternal grandparents, Jim and Pallie Harrington Smith. Her maternal grandparents were Andrew and Kate Golden Webster.
Pallie attended Reeltown public school in Tallapoosa County and Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University where she earned a Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education degree in March 1959. Shortly thereafter she began teaching at Tallassee Elementary School, and in June 1959 married Kyle, a graduating API senior and her best friend and steady boyfriend since 1956.
After marriage, the new couple continued to live in Tallassee, and Pallie continued teaching while Kyle awaited his scheduled entry into U. S. Naval service. In 1960 he was commissioned Ensign, USN and the couple began the nomadic lifestyle typical for a U.S. Navy family at that time characterized by frequent moves, meeting new military and civilian friends, experiencing diverse cultures, interesting sights, enjoying new and greater work experiences, and leaving behind cherished memories. Their 26-year Navy life took them to Athens, Ga., New Orleans, Key West, Milton Fla., The Azores, Norfolk, Monterrey, Calif., Jacksonville, Sicily, Columbus, Ohio, and finally Cherry Point, NC. In 1986, after 26 years of service Kyle and Pallie retired from the Navy and moved to the house they had purchased a few years earlier.
Upon return to Alabama the couple enjoyed making up for lost time with their parents, renewing friendships in Auburn, and attending the family gatherings they had missed over the years. They were soon involved in many social, educational, and civic groups including Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, AU Alumni Association (life members since 1974), University Club, Auburn Women’s Club, Ochsner Lifelong Learners (OLLIE), and the Jules Collins Smith Museum. Through donations and annual purchase of season tickets, Pallie and Kyle loyally supported the Gouge Performing Arts Center, Telfair B. Peet Student Theatre, and AU athletics programs.
She loved children and animals beyond comparison. Even though Pallie had no “children”, she took great delight in the exceptionally close and loving relationships she had with the children of her and Kyle’s sisters.
Pallie was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Bonnie Smith Ennis and Julia Smith Harkins. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Paul Kyle Butler; nephews, Lee (Mary) Harkins, Jason (Nikki) Harkins, John Bowlin (Tammy), Mark (Ann) Kirby, Timothy Holland, Benford Holland, Brian Bell; nieces, Phyllis (Johnny) Mitchell, Cindy (Doug) Sams, Ellen Bowlin Brown, Paula (Marshall) Norrell; as well as many loving grandnephews, grandnieces, and a great-grandnephew.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Project Clothe a Child https:// www.projectclotheachild.org/ donate.html.
The funeral will follow at 2:00pm in the church, with the Reverend Pete Burgess presiding, immediately followed graveside service at Town Creek Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Rushing, Doug Sams, Kyle Kirby, Drew Kirby, Smith Harkins, and Larson Harkins.
