Samuel Martin Funches Jr. affectionately known as Butch was born on May 3, 1950 to the late Samuel Funches Sr. and Edna Funches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At an early age, he moved to Lawnside, New Jersey, and remained there for the rest of his life, proudly serving his community.

​Butch received his education through the Lawnside School District and graduated from Haddon Heights High School. While in high school, he enjoyed playing football and basketball, and briefly attended Glassboro State College in Glassboro, New Jersey before pursuing a career in law enforcement. After completing the police academy, he worked for the Lawnside Police Department for sixteen years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He then continued his career with the Camden County Sheriff’s Department for another sixteen years until his retirement in 2001.

As a first-generation firefighter and lifelong member, he proudly served both the Lawnside Fire Department and Runnemede Fire Department, rising through the ranks from junior firefighter to Fire Chief and dedicating over 50 years to protecting and serving his community. Butch took great pride in his role as a volunteer firefighter, mentoring countless young firefighters, sharing his knowledge and experience, and inspiring others through his leadership and unwavering dedication to public safety. His deep-rooted commitment to service was passed to his son, BJ., and continues with his grandsons.

He met the love of his life, Anita, in 1979, and together they shared 46 wonderful years. Anita brought two daughters, Daphne and Dana, into the relationship, and together they welcomed their son, Samuel III., affectionately known as BJ. He loved all of their children deeply. Butch was a supportive and caring father, always there when his children needed him the most, whether attending sporting events, school activities, or family gatherings. He offered guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear, taking pride in celebrating their achievements and helping them navigate challenges, always showing love and support.

Butch had a lifelong passion for softball, playing for teams such as the Cotton Club, Camden County Sheriff’s Department, Camden County Lawmen, and many others. Butch enjoyed traveling to softball games with his Aunt Dot, who everyone would mistake for his mother. Known for hitting a softball a mile away, Butch also enjoyed teaching the game to others, sharing his skills and love of softball. With his deep passion for softball, Butch would show up to games across the area in his police uniform, grab a bat, hit a few balls, and then head right back to patrol. When with his friends, he took great pleasure in playing the “dozens” and affectionately giving people nicknames like “scummers.” If you know Butch he could always be found with a Miller High Life in his hand.

In retirement, Butch enjoyed traveling to North Carolina Central University to watch BJ play football and never missed a chance to support his favorite Philadelphia sports teams. He could often be found at the local Dunkin’ Donuts with his daily cup of coffee, cruising around town to visit his grandchildren, and stopping to chat with friends along the way. One of the highlights of his life was being interviewed by the Lawnside Historical Society with fellow Fire Chief Buster on the history of the Lawnside Fire Department. He shared a close bond with his lifelong neighbor, Melvin Moorman, whom he considered a brother. Together with Melvin’s family, he enjoyed eating crabs, listening to music, and talking about life.

Butch is predeceased by his grandmother Bertha, his aunt Dorothy “Dot”, sisters Toni and Deloris, brothers Kenneth and Arthur, niece Dawn, and cousins Sharon and Ricky. Butch leaves to cherish memories his life partner Anita, son Samuel III “BJ” (Siobhan), daughters Daphne, Dana (Bilal), his (5) grandchildren Derek, Dominique, Kamryn, Israel, and Gabriel, (3) great-grandchildren Julien, Esme’, and Mira, sister in law Sharon “Pie”, (3) nieces Charlene, Barbara and Alexis, nephew Charles, cousin Leonard, (3) sisters Sandra, Ethel, and Veronica, (3) brothers Victor, Eric, and Sterling, his godson Michael Sr., bonus sister Yvonne, bonus nephews Levar and Jermaine and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and friends.