Butch Harrell, BH1166, RV6A N72TX

[pilotkms]

I was notified by Butch’s daughter that he had a heart attack and died on Saturday August 16.
We had a 3 ship flight to Statesboro KTBR the day before and he was full of life. We discussed the upcoming flyin to Petit Jean and looked forward to going again.
He Purchased his 6A in 2018. Not the builder but he did several build projects on it. He added a step for easier entry. He replaced some of his antique gauges. He replaced his windshield using SikaFlex. He repainted portions & added stripes to the fuselage. He was proud of getting his carbureted 320 to run LOP. With each project I told him he was adding a star to acquiring his Builder Badge.
He & I flew all over the Eastern U.S., about a 1000 hours in the past 7 years. It was great having someone as enthusiastic about flying the RV and the time to do it. Gonna miss that guy.

 

[9GT]

Sorry for your loss Keith. Good friends like that are few and far between. May he have blue skies with his new wings in heaven, and his family find comfort in knowing he had a good life with many friends.

 

[tthrew]

Here’s to you, my good friend, Butch- so blessed to have met you. (Photo, PJ 2022).

 

[CD.]

I am blessed to have met Butch and shared some time over the last few years. His positive attitude and humor was always a treat. I was looking forward to seeing him again at PJ this Fall so I could hardly believe it when Keith gave me the news of his passing. He will definitely be missed. Prayers for his family and friends.

 

[FlyingBanker]

So sorry to hear this. He and I connected as we both purchased 6As in 2018 and lived very close here in Georgia.