Edward Albert Kaminsky Jr

Edward Albert Kaminsky, Jr. of Arlington, GA, known and loved as Butch, passed away peacefully at Calhoun Nursing Home in Edison, GA April 28, 2025. He was 76.

The son of Edward Albert Kaminsky, Sr. and Josephine Crook Kaminsky, Butch was born in Americus, GA March 15, 1949. He attended Arlington Elementary School in Arlington and boarding school in Bainbridge. As an adult, he attended Aspire BHDD in Blakely for over 40 years, where he worked in the kitchen and was a medal-winning bowler at Special Olympics.

A faithful member of Arlington Baptist Church with over 15 years of perfect attendance, Butch served as special assistant to the Sunday School director and was a guest soloist and pianist. For most of his life, he greeted all who entered and exited the north entrance to Arlington with his enthusiastic wave, and then did the same from his swing when he moved to Hillside community.

A late-blooming social butterfly, Butch brought light and laughter into the world. He loved hanging out with the Saturday morning club at Jerry’s, going out for shrimp or ice cream with special friends, greeting Arlington residents on his daily walks, participating in activities at Aspire, and playing the piano for anyone who would listen. He had friends from all walks of life in every nearby town. All who knew him are quite sure that when he is greeted at the pearly gates by St. Peter, he will ask either “You gonna cook?” or “You got any money?”

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Jo Kaminsky. Other family includes cousins, Jackie Yawn and Faye Hennessy; Mike and Sherri Newberry; the late Ike Newberry, Jr. and Shelby Newberry; and Carson, Michaelyn, Charlie, and Callie Ray. He also leaves behind his beloved families at Aspire and Arlington Baptist Church.

Services will be at Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, GA Saturday, May 3 at 3:00, followed by a brief graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Arlington. Visitation will be at the church at 2:00. Serving as pallbearers are Richard Ward, Joe Sheffield, Mike Stuart, Chris Cowart, Larry Worsley, Jerry Scarborough, and Randy Adams. Memorials may be sent to Aspire BHDD in Blakely, GA and Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, GA.

Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.