George R. (Butch) Soto, Jr., was born in Ruston, Louisiana on April 19, 1946, to parents Marcil Edmiston Soto and George R. Soto, Sr., and left this earth on April 12, 2026, at the age of 79 years – one week shy of his 80th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, James Adam Isaac; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members and friends.
Surviving Butch are his wife of 41 ½ years, Shirley Colvin Soto; sons, George R. (Tray) Soto, III (Darnie), Trent Dion Soto (Monica); daughter, Teresa Soto Fiedjor (Israel); stepson, Danny Jarmon; stepdaughter, Laurie Colvin (Tim); sister, Lenora (Chinkie) Pyles (Arnold); brother, Tony Soto (Mary); and the mother of his children, Elaine Atkins. Grandchildren include: Trayson Hargrove, Serenity Soto, Shiloh Soto, Macy Dover (John), Megan Jarmon, Malarie Jarmon, Colby Jarmon, Emily Colvin, Sadie Jinks (Mason), and Beau Palmer. Great grandchildren include: Romaya Hargrove, Emersyn Dover, Ellis Dover, and ‘soon to arrive’ Hogan Jarmon. Other survivors include brothers-in-law’s, Mike Colvin and Eddie Colvin (Debbie); along with a large group of family members and friends.
Butch proudly served in the United States Air Force for nearly eight years during the Vietnam War. After enlisting, he spent four years stationed in England, followed by one year in Thailand. He completed his military service with assignments in South Carolina and Arizona. After discharge from the military, he returned to Ruston where he became a firefighter and EMT. Butch drove 18-wheelers for several years, covering many miles, for several different companies. He then went to work for, and retired from, Fibrebond, designing and building concrete buildings.
Butch was an exceptionally talented woodworker, building gun cabinets (on which he etched the glass fronts), deer stands, bookcases, toy boxes, video cabinets, duck blinds, taxidermy mounting stands, and many other things.
Funeral services for Butch will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Salem Church in Dubach, LA, located at 11793 Highway 151, with Pastor Stephen Nutt and special friend John Roebuck officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until the time of service at Salem Church.
Pallbearers will be George R. (Tray) Soto III, Trayson Hargrove, Serenity Soto, Danny Jarmon, Colby Jarmon, and David Miller.
The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff of Best Home Health and Premier Hospice, especially nurse, LaQuasha Huey, for the kindness shown to all of us and especially to our precious Butch. We were also blessed with a group of caregivers who quickly became family, including Remunda Ethridge, David Miller, CaRhonda Nickson, and Debbie Williams. Many thanks to you all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
