Horace was born in Abbeville, SC in 1919 and moved to Greenville with his grandparents when he was three. He served in the Army and was married while serving in World War II. After the war, Horace returned home to Greenville to start his family.

Horace was one of the organizers of the employee strike at Claussen's Bakery back in 1967. The strike was organized to protest the lower wages of black employees and other racial inequities. As a result of his outspoken efforts, Horace had a cross burned in his front yard in an attempt to intimidate him.

But Horace would not be intimidated. Refusing to give in, he rallied support for the cause, even appealing to the black churches for financial support. This support allowed the striking workers to keep food on the table and their bills paid despite their lost wages.

Horace's appeal motivated the local clergy to contact the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and they sent Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to deliver a speech at the Memorial Auditorium on April 30, 1967. Greenville native Jesse Jackson accompanied him. Horace was proud to be able to shake Dr. King's hand.

Claussen's Bakery agreed to compensate blacks at an equitable wage, and Horace was promoted to a manager's position. But he didn't stop there.

Horace continued to be active in the community, seeking to make much needed changes in the African American Community. He served as one of the charter members of the Greenville county Human Relations Commission. Horace has served on numerous boards and commissions for the city and county, including the Greenville Urban League.

At his wife's urging, Horace undertook the challenge of creating the first African American community center built by the City of Greenville. While serving as the President of the Sullivan Street Neighborhood Association, they created the vision of the Juanita Butler Community Center, which was named in honor of his wife. Juanita had passed away during the building process, and never got to see the final result.

Horace always stood by his friends. For 25 years, he would sit with Bobby Joseph, owner of Joseph's Grocery on Dunbar Street. Horace made sure he was there every evening when Bobby closed the store to help keep him safe. Bobby Joseph passed away on January 31, 2008.

Horace was recognized nationwide as a community leader and humanitarian, but often shied away from the spotlight, even turning down dinner invitations from past Presidents.

Horace has one daughter and one son, 3 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. For his desire to always stand up and fight for the rights of the community, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Horace Butler, Sr. as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.