Russell Lloyd Butler, aka buZ blurr, aka Colossus of Roads, passed away at home in Gurdon, Arkansas Friday, January 26th, 2024 at the age of 80. Russell was born in Lafe, Arkansas August 23rd, 1943.
A third generation Arkansas railroad worker, Russell began to explore multiple mediums of art in his early adult life. In the early 70’s he became a prolific contributor to the correspondence mail art community, making custom stamp sheets and mailing them across the world. This became a lifelong passion and brought him much notoriety. In 1971, Russell began marking train cars with simple character he called the Gypsy Sphinx and later to the “Colossus of Roads”, a bearded cowboy character he would draw with different caption each day.
He did his drawings everyday during his 41 year long career and into retirement. While these are two of Russell’s artistic expressions, He worked in many mediums and processes in producing his art. With shows in New York, Los Angeles, Germany, France, and many other countries, Russell’s work has been featured in many books, magazine articles, and documentaries. He was an inspiration and mentor for many other artists throughout his life.
Russell was a devoted husband and father, married to Emmy for 59 years. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, friends, and admirers.
He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene Harvey Butler. Mother, Cleda Elmira Andrews. Sister, Brenda Jean Renfro.
He is survived by his wife, Emmy Butler, Daughter, Brooks Brown, Son, Blake Butler, Daughter, Rachel Butler, 6 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial is planned for Saturday May 4th, 2024, at 2pm at the Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Center, 2555 Twin Rivers Dr., Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
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