David G. Buttrick was born in New York City. He was the youngest son of Rev. George A. Buttrick, a pastor committed to community outreach, and his wife, Agnes Gardner.
David attended Haverford College and then pursued graduate study at Union Theological Seminary, Garrett Biblical Institute and Northwestern University. Called to ministry at First Presbyterian in Fredonia, he helped design a new space of worship for a congregation that had grown during his service from 35 to almost 700 members.
David taught on the faculties of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, St. Meinrad School of Theology, and Vanderbilt Divinity School, where he served for almost 20 years as the Drucilla Moore Buffington Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics. Offering warmth, humor, acceptance, and lively discussion, David and his wife Betty welcomed students and those in need into their home as family.
A prolific author, David wrote 19 books, including his landmark work Homiletics, and innumerous chapters in books and articles. He also spoke at colleges and churches across North America and Europe. David became a proud member of the United Church of Christ, citing its policies of inclusion and diversity.
On April 22, 2017, David "sidestepped into the mystery of God." He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Robert; his wife of 64 years, Betty More Allaben Buttrick; and his daughter, Anne Crumpler. He is survived by: his son-in-law, David Crumpler; grandchildren, Benjamin Crumpler, Rachel Crumpler and her husband, Jason Ostenson; and his niece, Betty Ives Adams and her husband, Stephen Adams.
A service will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 12 noon at Benton Chapel at the Vanderbilt Divinity School. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to Church World Service, North Shore Animal League, Vanderbilt Divinity School, or Brookmeade Congregational Church.
Obituary from the Observer
