Obituaries

DONALD T. BEXLEY

HAMPTON - Donald T. "Bubba" Bexley, 87, co-star of "Sanford and Son," departed this earth on Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at Hampton Sentara Hospital.

He was born in Detroit, Mich., to the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bexley. "Bubba," as the world knows him, gained international popularity for his portrayal as "Bubba" on the NBC television sitcom "Sanford and Son," which is a very successful "rerun sitcom" even today.

Bubba was a veteran performer and actor who had attained the status of one of America's funniest black comedians, having entertained audiences throughout the United States and four continents.

His entertainment career spanned over five decades, which included directing orchestras, singing and dancing in groups for more than 10 years, burlesque and acting. He appeared in many television shows such as "Hunter," "LaVern and Shirley" and "Sanford Arms," as well as the motion pictures "Sparkle" and "Cotton Comes to Harlem."

In the early '40s, Bubba started doing stand-up comedy in upstate New York with such top comedians as Milton Berle, Danny Kaye and Henny Youngman and danced with the late Sammy Davis Jr. and other great entertainers.

He was the first black stand-up comedian to do the hotel circuit in the Mountain Hotel. During his travels, he met many black entertainers. One in particular was Redd Foxx; they worked in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

When Bubba returned from Europe in 1969, he and Redd Foxx were cast together in "Cotton Comes to Harlem." Upon Bubba's arrival from Asia in 1971, Redd Foxx sent for him to join in the sitcom "Sanford and Son."

Since his relocation to Hampton, he was still quite active, always working on new ideas for shows and live performances.

He made personal appearances and signed autographs on many occasions, including Newmarket Fair Day-Talent Show, Sept. 1996, and Aberdeen Athletic Association, June 1996. One of Bubba's last signings was during his attendance at the NASA Langley Research Center's "Black History Program," Feb. 1997. These types of activities added to his longevity.

Survivors include his wife, Sally Bexley of Maryland; two daughters, Donna Bexley of Hyattsville, Md., and Stacies Marie Bexley of Oakland, Calif.; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and lots of friends; and a business partner and devoted friend for over 18 years, Clarence Williams Sr. of Hampton.

A service of remembrance, conducted by the Rev. Bruce Vann, will be held Monday, April 21, at 1 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. Viewing will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. Family and friends will assemble at 12:15 p.m. at 101 Crystal Cove, Apartment J, Hampton. Interment will be held in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

LAURA F. BOOTH

NEWPORT NEWS - Laura Frazier Booth, 82, of 479 Nelson Drive, died Thursday morning, April 17, 1997, at Newport News Medical Center.

A native of Eden, N.C., she was a member of Emmanuel Friends Church in Eden, N.C., and a retired sales person for Bear's department store.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marcine and Ernest T. Harris of Williamsburg; sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Eugene and Shirley Booth of Ridgeway, William N. and Pat Booth of Winter Springs, Fla., and George F. and Myrna Booth of Newport News; a special nephew, Wallace Kirks of Newport News; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Friends Church with burial to follow in Danview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Fair Funeral Home, Eden, N.C.

WILLIAM T. BUTLER JR.

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY - William Tillman Butler Jr. died suddenly Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at age 58. "Tim" was born in Richmond, where he was in the banking business for a number of years.

He served as president of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He was active in community organizations and Welbourne United Methodist Church. He continued his banking career in Gloucester, where he served as president of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Gloucester School Board.

He was active at Singleton United Methodist Church. He was with New York Life Insurance Co. for a number of years. He moved to Hampden-Sydney College, his alma mater, where he was director of the Annual Fund. His long record of service to Hampden-Sydney was recognized with the James J. Keating Founders' Medallion.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Carter Butler of Hampden-Sydney; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Butler of Richmond; his son, William Tillman Butler III, and his wife, Shannon, of Richmond; and his sister, Judith Ray Fugate of Richmond.