HUNTSVILLE — To say it was a day of mixed emotions, well, State Sen. Tom Butler put it in perspective.
“This is a sad day – and a happy day,” Butler (R-Madison) said. “Sad for me, happy for my wife. She was doing a little dance this morning.”
Butler was joined by fellow lawmakers, local officials, and longtime friends who gathered today to honor his Alabama legislative career.
The longtime legislator announced he was retiring from public office after more than 30 years. He was first elected to the Alabama House as a Democrat in 1982 where he served until 1994. Butler was then elected to the Senate and served from 1994-2010.
In 2011, Butler joined the Republican Party and was elected to represent District 2 in the State Senate in 2018. He was reelected in 2022; his term ends 2026.
“I have enjoyed my tenure in the House and the Senate,” he said. “We have been able to do a few things that are positive … but I still have a year and a half left in service to the state, and I intend to make the most of that.
“I’m not going to be a lame duck – I’m going to be out swimming the rest of them.”
Butler was praised by friends and colleagues for his influence, mentorship, and dedication to the people of Madison County and the state.
State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville), one of the youngest members of the Legislature, introduced the speakers and Butler, whom Lomax commended for a “career built on public service and steadfast leadership.”
Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon reflected on Butler’s leadership in the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process – which has wielded a historically instrumental role in Redstone Arsenal and long positioned North Alabama for economic growth.
“You had the ability to have the vision of what could be based on what we were dealing with at the time,” said McCutcheon, a former House Speaker. “And now we see that vision has come true. You’ve left a legacy behind.”
State Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) recalled how Butler welcomed her into the Legislature by giving her his own Alabama House member lapel pin. But what stood out most, she said, was a story from one of their constituents.
“She told me, ‘I can call him at midnight, 3 a.m., about the children I’m taking care of, and he will get out of his bed and make sure they get their medication,’” Hall said. “That was a beautiful tribute to you, and I’ve always respected you for that.”
In his remarks, Butler reflected on that story.
“Those kind of stories – that’s the story of service,” he said. “That’s what I’m about.”
One of Butler’s most well-known legislative achievements – requiring Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and public buildings – was motivated by the death of a 14-year-old student in Madison and, also, from a deeply personal experience.
After suffering a cardiac arrest during a walk near his home, Butler’s life was saved by a defibrillator at the Madison Fire Department – the first one he had helped procure as part of his advocacy for AEDs.
“We’ve had many, many saves with that program,” Butler said,. “We put those defibrillators statewide … and one of the lives they saved was my own.”
State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), perhaps, put it all in perspective with how everyone felt.
“He’s a humble giant,” he said. “His shoes will be very difficult to fill.”
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