Clinton James “Butch” Herbison, Jr.
Delta State University mourns the loss of Clinton James “Butch” Herbison, Jr., a dedicated member of the DSU community, who passed away on December 11, 2024, at the age of 70. A cherished member of the Delta State family, Butch’s dedication and love for the university spanned decades. In honor of his memory, the University flag will fly at half-staff on Friday, March 28, through sunset on Sunday, March 30
For more than 45 years, Butch was a familiar and beloved presence at Statesmen and Lady Statesmen games, serving as a scoreboard operator for football, basketball, and baseball. His passion for Delta State Athletics was unmatched, and his commitment never wavered—even while undergoing chemotherapy, he remained at the scorer’s table, determined to be there for the teams he loved. In April 2024, his service and dedication were recognized with the Lawrence L. Stewart Service Award, a tribute to those who make a lasting impact on Delta State Athletics.
Butch’s devotion to Delta State extended far beyond the scoreboard. He was a steadfast supporter of the University and its athletes, someone who gave selflessly. His presence made our community brighter, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Delta State University extends heartfelt condolences to Butch’s family, friends, and the countless students, coaches, and colleagues whose lives he touched. His unwavering commitment, kindness, and spirit will forever be a part of Delta State.
In accordance with his wishes, a celebration of life will be held in a place as welcoming as he was—Saturday, March 29, at 6:00 PM at 166 Buckley Jones Road in Cleveland, Mississippi.
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His influence was deeply felt by colleagues and all those who knew him:
Rodney Batts, DSU Head Baseball Coach
“Butch was a part of Delta State and the athletic department for many years. He could be seen at most athletic events, either working the game or supporting the green and white. He was a soft-spoken guy that always had a smile on his face. He will be missed at Delta State athletic events, but also in the Cleveland community.”
Todd Cooley, DSU Head Football Coach
“Butch was a great man who loved Delta State. He gave a lot of his time to help DSU and was a major advocate of Delta State Athletics. He will be missed tremendously. But, his legacy of service will endure.”
Dana George, DSU Senior Executive Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, Academics, and Internal Operations/SWA
“Butch was a consistent supporter of Delta State Athletics and a steadfast presence at the Sillers Coliseum scorer’s table. We were deeply saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Rori and his family. He will be missed by many, and I treasure our friendship.”
Matt Jones, Former DSU Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Relations
“For 19 years, I had the honor of working with Butch Herbison at Delta State Athletics. There was no one more dedicated to serving our student athletes, coaches, and staff than Butch. He was there for so many of the historic moments Delta State achieved on the playing fields & courts. I’m grateful for the time we shared and for his help making Delta State what it is today.”
Mike Kinnison, DSU Athletic Director
“Butch was a valued member of our Delta State Athletics events staff. He served our student-athletes, coaches, and fans for over 40 years in various game day operations. He was in the arena for some of our greatest sports memories and we will always value his friendship, game day skills, and love for the university. He and Rori will always hold a special place in our DSU Family.”
Ronnie Mayers, DSU Athletic Director Emeritus
“Butch was green and white, and he loved Delta State athletics. He spent many hours working game day events. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Don Allan Mitchell, Public Address Announcer for DSU Athletics, DSU Associate Professor of English, Director of DSU Honors Program
“Small college athletics, along with coaches and student-athletes, benefit from a network of superfans, boosters, and part-time support staff like Butch. Delta State is especially fortunate to have people like him—those who support the Green & White purely for their love of the team, the university, and the game. For the past decade and a half, I had the privilege of sitting next to Butch at the scorer’s table. When I saw Rori earlier this fall, she assured me that despite his illness, he would be there this past season. And in November, he was—just as dependable and steady as ever. He continued working games until the very end. Butch was a quiet, kind, and gentle man, and we will miss him at the Lloyd Clark Court. ‘The Ole School We Love Best’ is what it is because of people like Butch. We may have lost him, but the Great Scorer’s Table in the Sky has gained a great soul.”
Doug Pinkerton, DSU Director Emeritus of HPER Facilities and Operation Programs/PT Instructor
“I had the honor of working with Butch for 15+ years at DSU basketball games. Lots of laughs and great conversations. He was truly dedicated to DSU athletics, and we will dearly miss him.”
John Redmon, DSU Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
“Mr. Butch was a devoted supporter of Delta State University, proudly representing the Green and White. Delta State Athletics and the Cleveland community will greatly miss him.”
Fred Sington, Former Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
“Butch was a great friend and very loyal to Delta State University athletics and the University itself. In my 15 years of being at DSU, he rarely missed any games. I could always depend on Butch to be there. He was a great friend to me as well as many others in the Cleveland community. Butch is dearly missed.”
