William "Butch" A. Manning, Jr., 69, died Friday night at the Valley Terrace in White River Jct., VT after a long battle with dementia and COPD.

Butch was born January 23, 1952, in Hanover, NH the son of William A. and Virginia W. (Waterman) Manning. He grew up in White River Jct., and graduated from Hartford High School in 1970. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy serving aboard the USS Forrestal from 1970-74 sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. Butch returned to the Upper Valley and started working for his father's business, Hartford Oil Company. He served many roles including mechanic, delivery driver and eventually transport driver. On August 17, 1974, he married Kim Berry and they made their home in Lebanon, NH. They had twins in 1976, a son, Scott Thomas and a daughter, Brandi-Lyn. Tragically, three days after her birth Brandi-Lyn died. After the family business was sold, Butch continued to drive truck as an independent owner/operator for Johnson and Dix Fuels and ending at Abenaki Fuels. He also spent a short period of time driving for Decato Brothers, P&C Foods and Jewell Transport.

Kim and Butch enjoyed camping and spent many years as a seasonal at Abel Mountain Campground in Randolph, VT where they formed some very special friendships. Along with these friends they went on many excursions, including hauling their campers to Walt Disney World in Florida, and going on several Caribbean cruises. Following Tropical storm Irene in 2011, they moved their camper to Rest-In-Nest Campground in Thetford, VT where they camped until 2018.

The last few years Kim cared for Butch at home until two weeks ago when he was moved to Valley Terrace.

He was predeceased by his daughter Brandi-Lyn, his parents and his father-in-law Dryden Berry.

Butch is survived by his wife, Kim of North Hartland, VT, son, Scott Manning and his beloved granddaughter, Reese Manning of Lebanon, NH, his four sisters, Donna M. Blood (Mike) of White River Jct., Vt, Kerry M. Crewson (Gary) of Orchard Park, NY, Wendy E. Manning of White River Jct., VT, Lisa M. Bushor (Tim) of White River Jct., VT, his aunt Phyllis Gee of Albany, NY, his mother-in-law Phyllis Berry of Lebanon NH, his brother-in-law Thomas Berry (Suzanne) of Jacksonville, FL and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., on Tuesday evening, July 27, from 6-8PM. A graveside service will be held in the West Lebanon Cemetery, Wednesday. July 28, at 11AM. Butch was not a "dress up" kind of guy and so the family has asked that people "come as you are" in your jeans and casual clothing. Baseball caps optional. There will be a gathering for family and friends at the home of Donna and Mike Blood following the graveside service on Wednesday.

Butch's family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Bayada Hospice, Sue-Ellen and Luke Parmenter and the staff at Valley Terrace for the excellent care and support they provided during Butch's last days. In addition, a very heartfelt thank you to Bonnie Downs for the loving support she has provided to Kim over the past few difficult years.

Memorial contributions maybe made to the American Lung Association or to the Alzheimer's Association.