SAN ANTONIO -- Hundreds gathered to remember 89-year-old Howard E. Butt, Jr. on Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church. They came to pray and praise a family that has helped sustain generations of Texans.
Family and friends call him a servant, a man of faith, a gentle soul who helped develop the H.E. Butt Family Foundation into a national model of corporate generosity.
"Howard himself has had his personal impact. First as an executive with the grocery chain and then deciding to go follow his faith and that impact has been maybe bigger than the grocery store," Tom Frost said. "We as a community. As Family. Lift you up in our hearts with respect."
Many said they came not to mourn, but with Psalms, songs, and prayers, they said thank you to a man who devoted his life to service and who helped others while battling depression.
Howard Butt developed Laity Lodge, a hill country spiritual retreat where tens of thousands have found sacred rest and inspiration.
Like the Apostle Paul, his message was simple: Faith. Hope. Love. And Joy.
Family and friends agreed his voice was always prominent when it came time to sing at worship, so today they made a joyful noise unto their Lord.
The work of the H-E-B Family Foundation continues with other family members at the helm.
For more information on their programs, you can visit http://www.hebff.org.