The Selma community is mourning the passing of Roger Dainwood Butler, a cherished businessman and community leader, who died on January 13, 2026, shortly after celebrating his 88th birthday. Butler, the longtime owner of Roger Butler Jewelers, is remembered for his integrity and dedication to serving others, leaving a lasting impact on the local business landscape.
A Journey to Jewelry
Butler’s path to becoming a jeweler was unexpected. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in communications, initially aspiring to work in radio and television. In high school, he produced a radio show called “Old Uncle Ned,” where he entertained listeners by reading the Sunday comics in a falsetto voice. His career took him to ABC Studios in New York, where he worked as a page during a summer break from college.
After serving in the Army Signal Corps, where he produced training films in New York City and worked at a communication center in Paris during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Butler returned to Selma with his wife, Doris Butler. He briefly worked at local radio stations WRWJ and WHBB before an opportunity arose to manage a jewelry store. He accepted the position, ultimately discovering a passion for the industry.
Building a Business and Community Engagement
In 1964, Roger and Doris purchased the jewelry store, renaming it Roger Butler Jewelers. Under his stewardship, the business flourished, employing up to 25 people by the time he retired in 2003. His store became a cornerstone of downtown Selma, known for its quality and service.
Beyond business, Butler was deeply involved in community service. He held presidency roles in various organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way, Selma Credit Bureau, and the Downtown Selma Association. His contributions extended to serving as chairman of the board for Church Street United Methodist Church and the Salvation Army Advisory Board and participating on the boards of AmSouth Bank and the Vaughn Medical Foundation.
Statewide, Butler was a prominent figure in the jewelry industry, serving as president of the Alabama Jewelers Association and on the board of directors for the Methodist Children’s Homes of Alabama. His expertise in the field was recognized when he received a Lifetime Membership Award from the Alabama Jewelers Association, an honor that moved him deeply.
“I really was just absolutely thrilled to death,” Butler reflected on receiving the award, recalling the industry giants he admired throughout his career.
Roger Butler is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Doris “Dolly” Butler, their daughter Doris, and grandson Andrew Truax. A funeral service took place on January 16 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where friends and family gathered to celebrate his remarkable life and contributions to the community.
