Our Founder

Judge Edward Butler

Judge Edward F. “Ed” Butler is a native of Memphis, TN.

Ed was an active member of the Sigma Chi social fraternity at Ole Miss. In 2005 the Sigma Chi Fraternity recognized him as a “Significant Sig” (along with John Wayne). The Mississippi Governor presented him with a medal as the outstanding cadet from the Army, Navy and Air Force R.O.T.C. units in 1957. At Ole Miss he was elected into the honorary leadership fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega.

Ed joined the Air Force Reserve in 1954, and was discharged as a S.SGT. in 1962 after completing 8 years service. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1963. He served continuously in the Navy reserve for 27 years as a Naval Intelligence officer. His military awards include the Naval Academy Commandant=s Award; Naval Academy Superintendent’s Award; Navy Commendation Medal (2); Air Force Reserve Commendation Medal; and the Armed Forces, Reserve Medal (3). He retired in 1990 as a Commander (O-5).

Judge Butler attended Vanderbilt Univ. School of Law as a Ford Foundation Scholar. He was elected to the honorary legal fraternity of Phi Delta Phi. He graduated with honors in 1961. While at Vandy, he was editor of the law school newspaper. He practiced law in Memphis, TN from 1963 through 1984, and was admitted to practice law in Texas in 1972. Before going on the bench he was Board Certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer.

Academically, he as served as an full Professor of Law at the Reynaldo Garza School of Law at Pan American University at Edinburg, TX; as Adjunct Professor at the University of Memphis Law School; of Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice at the University of Memphis, Shelby State Community College in Memphis, and the University of Texas at Brownsville, TX.

Ed joined the SAR in 1986 and became a Perpetual Life Member ten years later. He has been awarded dozens of SAR medals and awards, including the coveted Gold Good Citizenship Medal, Minuteman Medal, and the Gold National Distinguished Service Medal. He has eight patriot ancestors. He has served as SAR Ambassador to both Mexico and Spain (and founded SAR Societies in both nations); Genealogist General, Chancellor General, Treasurer General, Secretary General, and in July 2009 was unanimously elected as the 106th SAR President General.

Other groups which hold his interest include the Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of the Temple of Jerusalem (Knights Templar), where he has served as both the Prior for Texas, and the Deputy Grand Prior; Order of Founders and Patriots (TX Treasurer); Sons of Confederate Veterans (former Camp Commander, Texas Division Parliamentarian); First Families of Maryland, Colonial Bench and Bar; the Military Order of Stars and Bars (former National Deputy JAG); War of 1812 Society (Judge Advocate General); and the Society of Colonial Wars (Texas state Governor). He is also a member of the Texas Society, Magna Charta Barons; Americans of Royal Descent; Colonial Order of the Crown; the Order of the Garter; the Huguenot Society and the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge (former Judge Advocate General).