Sam Ketcham

Herbert Lee “Sam” Ketcham, 86, of Welcome, died Friday, November 20, 2015 at Hinkle Hospice House of Davidson County. He joins his life partner of 62 years Velvie Ketcham, who’s been waiting for him in heaven since June 29. Born March 4, 1929 in Covington, Kentucky, he was the only son of the late Joseph Walter Ketcham and Nola Belle Everett. After a difficult childhood shaped by his father’s tuberculosis, poverty and foster care, Sam and Velvie created a loving home and raised a family that he cherished. At age 13, Sam and his mother moved to Hickory, and shortly thereafter he began his life’s adventure by joining the military at age 17. He finished his high school education during his service in the U.S. Air Force training command, and upon completing a three-year military enlistment, he returned to Hickory to begin a career in law enforcement. Sam found fulfillment helping other people and strived to fill his community’s needs. He spent three years working as a Hickory police officer before joining the N.C. Highway Patrol where he served from 1955-61 and was the first trooper assigned to northern Davidson County. He enjoyed recounting tales from his time on patrol. Sam founded and operated Ketcham Septic Tank with his family and continued helping his neighbors in Davidson County until shortly before his death. Sam loved his family and was proud to be a provider for the brood that brought him great joy. He enjoyed travelling with Velvie and his family, and was especially fond of trips to Alaska, Mexico, Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. His memories of family trips to a coastal home in Atlantic Beach were filled with fishing adventures and beach fun. Sam loved animals and cared for pet dogs most of his life. He was a train enthusiast from a young age and spent many years building his collections. He was a member of Beulah United Church of Christ, a 60-year Master Mason of Lexington Memorial Lodge #473, a 50-year Nobleman of Oasis Shriners, and a member of the Lexington Shrine Club. He is survived by two daughters, Karen Miller and husband Donald of Hickory and Sherry Piotti and husband Bill of Lexington; two sons, Scott Ketcham and wife Teresa of King and Joel Ketcham and wife Denise of Welcome; five grandchildren, Alison Willard, Lauren Holman, Lindsay Baltes, Trey Ragsdale and Kendal Ketcham; three great-grandchildren, a special care-giver the past three months, Jo Ann Tedder, and an extended “family” of friends that he cherished greatly. The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington. A service of remembrance will be Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. at Beulah United Church of Christ in Welcome. In lieu of flowers the family will be grateful to memorials made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa,