Clair Ketcham, Jr.

Clair Whittier (“Sam”) Ketcham, Jr., 82, of Colonial Heights passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Born in Colonial Heights, Virginia on December 14, 1939, he was the son of the late Lula Smith and Clair Whittier Ketcham, Sr., and was also preceded in death by his brothers, William, J.L, and Earl Ketcham; sister, Viola Braxton; and grandson, Wyatt Ketcham.

A United States Army veteran, Clair started his military career in the U.S. Army Reserves, until he was called upon to become active duty during the Berlin Crisis.

After four years in the Army, Clair became a meat department manager at Safeway. Throughout his career as a meat department manager, he worked for Young’s Supermarket, Ukrops, Liberty, and finally Choices Market. In 1995, he started his own company called Sam Ketcham’s Painting and Contracting while also serving as regional sales manager for Primerica Financial Services until his retirement in 2012. Clair enjoyed working in his yard, where he cared for his flowers, the birds, and his fishpond. He also raised show pigeons.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Linda Cornell Ketcham; son, Ricky Redale Ketcham and wife, Julie; daughter, Sharon Ketcham Beard and husband, Tim; three grandchildren, Zach Ketcham, Addison Ketcham, Brittney Jarratt and husband, Blake; two sisters, Doris Sacra, Shirley Vaughan and husband, Earnest; sister-in-law, Joan Ketcham; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local SPCA. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.