Albert Butts was born on Nov. 26, 1926; it must have been a good year. Prices were a little different back then ~ a pound of bacon 50 cents; a dozen eggs, 56 cents; a Chrysler sedan, $995; a house, $6,300; and a frying pan, 10 cents.
And so, on Nov. 26, 2025, Albert turned 99 years old, and I had the opportunity to visit him, a role model for me and many others as we grew up as boys and girls in the woods of Dargan.
As Albert lived, the ‘Great Depression’ would follow him from 1929-1941. World War II would crowd his memory too from 1939-1945.
And Albert would become a bonafide member of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ a generation known for its resilience, sacrifice and sense of duty.
Albert is most proud of his life in Dargan, and his many achievements in this south county village has enriched that community forever.
My cousin, Gary Hetzel (aka Pee Wee), is considered a son by Albert because as a good neighbor he looks after Albert these days along with Pee Wee’s wife Matie.
Albert’s wife Ritzy died several years ago and played baseball with the all-female Hagerstown Molly’s, a World War II phenomena, as the men went off to war.
“No better friend to have in this life than Pee Wee”, said Albert.
As Albert, Pee Wee and I sat and discussed parts of his life in Dargan, his mental acuity was beyond compare for a man of his age. His friendliness, love for his community, and list of good deeds has touched so many people while growing up in Dargan.
His many achievements and love for his home and county are unsurpassed by those folk living down in South County these days. Albert is a most valued man of his community; he helped make Dargan great.
He is a legend in these parts.
Consider some of his many contributions to his community and county:
Albert worked for some 43 years on the railroad in Brunswick. Always community minded, when Marty Gay’s house burned to the ground around 1967, Albert and many people of that community helped the Gay family build another house. As a donation to the community, Marty donated land where the current fire company stands today.
Albert, Raleigh and Granvil Ingram, ‘Scat’ Gay and many others built the Potomac Valley fire company. Out of the fire ashes, a godsend became a ‘protector’ for so many then and now.
Albert once served as Fire Chief of the Company.
Today that company still stands as a testament to Albert’s community minded life. Each Dargan house became a ‘numbered’ residence so rescuers could respond quickly to a fire as Albert became a ‘vice president’ too of the Washington County Fire Association.
As a member of that association, Albert worked diligently on the development of the Central Alarm, Dispatch and 911 systems of the county.
Today, Dargan and parts of Washington County are far safer than ever before.
Albert, too, was a founding member of the Antietam-Dargan Ruritan Club, which did much to make the community a better place.
For instance, that club sponsored a little league for the youth of Dargan; a hayride where I met my wife; and too, would help keep the old Dargan school in the community as a resource.
The club purchased the school property, and when the club was dissolved, it donated that property to be used as a church and community center.
Albert has practically spent his entire adult life in the service of his community and fellow man.
The beautiful Samples Manor cemetery has been developed over the years too, and Albert even worked with the Ladies Auxiliary way back when, to help promote that lovely area.
It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the area. Cookie and Bobby Grim, and currently Donna Gray, have continued in Albert’s footsteps.
I would be remiss, if I didn’t tell you that Albert too had a fondness for playing fast pitch softball and played with the famous Dargan Aces as a pitcher.
At the age of 99, Albert is the oldest remaining member of a community who has done so much to put Dargan on the map, and provide an example of community service to all.
He has been a mentor to me personally and many others as a fine role model on how to leave the world a better place. His professional attitude, care for his community and love for that little village of Dargan stands as a ‘pillar’ to his integrity.
After spending most of his life in the service of his community, he became a caretaker for his wife Ritzy during a difficult illness.
Albert Butts is definitely an honored member of that ‘greatest generation’; better yet, he has been a lifetime mentor to many ~ a true friend.
Live long and prosper Albert ~ we love you!
