Joseph Patrick Butts

Joseph Patrick Butts, 58, passed away on May 1, 2026. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 19, 1968, Joe spent most of his life in Pasadena, Maryland, before residing in Cambridge, Maryland for the past three years.

Joe was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, friend, and partner. He is survived by his children, Dallas Joseph Butts; Kayla Brooke Butts and her spouse, Valerie Figueroa; Kallie Alyssa Butts and her former husband, Sardrick Owusu; his beloved grandson, Sterling Wesley Theodore Owusu; his sister, Carla Butts; and his brother, Lloyd Butts, along with their families. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Wendy Henderson, and her family; his former wife of 30 years, Rose Butts; his stepmother, Cecelia Helms; as well as many other extended family members and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jo Butts and Lloyd Theodore Butts.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Joe built and ran multiple businesses over the years, most recently his contracting and home repair companies, Beltway Builders and Arctic HVAC. He was also known for his skill at the poker table, even appearing on television as “Dumpster Joe Butts,” digitally cementing his larger-than-life personality on record forever. Joe’s personality was indescribable, but Poker Night TV put it best: “the magic of the man, the myth, the legend, Dumpster Joe Butts.” Whether in business or at the table, Joe had a sharp mind and a level of instinct and drive you simply couldn’t teach.

Joe lived life loud and fully. He was funny, generous, incredibly stubborn, and deeply loyal to the people he loved. He worked hard to provide for his family and took pride in making sure they were always taken care of. He also took immense pride in his children’s lives and accomplishments in adulthood, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about them. Nothing made him happier than talking about the people they had become and the lives they were building.

In his younger years, Joe was a boat racer, car racer, and slow-pitch softball player. That competitive spirit carried into his role as a father—he spent years coaching his daughters’ softball and basketball teams (even though he’d be the first to say he knew nothing about basketball), showing up for every game with the same energy he brought to everything else in his life. He loved watching his son wrestle and box, and took pride in seeing his children thrive in their own paths. Whether he was on the water, behind the wheel, at the poker table, or on the sidelines, Joe showed up fully—even if sometimes he watched from his truck. He was our coach, our protector, and our biggest fan. He also loved cheering on his favorite teams, the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens.

He loved boating, fishing, crabs, camping in his RV, and spending time with his dogs. He had a passion for old rock and roll—his favorite song being “Black and Blue” by Chain—along with westerns, action movies, and shows like The Sopranos, often joking that he was “Mr. Soprano” himself. He also enjoyed reality TV, true crime, and classics like Judge Judy, The Steve Wilkos Show, and The Jerry Springer Show. At home, he found joy in simple things—watching birds and eagles, raising chickens, relaxing with family and friends, and playing cars with his grandson Sterling. He loved fast cars, racing, boating, fishing, and anything that brought a thrill.

Joe was the kind of man who would yell at you one day and hug you the next. He always said exactly what he thought, but it came from a place of wanting the best for the people he loved. He never let anyone else’s opinions define how he saw someone—he made his own judgments, regardless of background or past. He touched countless lives over the years and left an impression you could never forget.

Joe had a presence you couldn’t miss. His signature raised eyebrow and unmistakable wink kept everyone guessing—and laughing. Everyone was always laughing with him because his sense of humor was truly irreplaceable.

Above all else, Joe loved his family. That was the center of everything he did.

A viewing will be held at Singleton Funeral Home, 1 2nd Ave SW, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, on Friday, May 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a service to follow from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and strength he leaves behind.

We love you forever, Dad. We will see you again in Heaven, in the 444s, and in the birds that visit us. Until then, as you would say—LFG!!!!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Patrick Butts, please visit our floral store.