Samuel C. Etchells Jr.

Etchells, Samuel C. Jr.
92, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully November 16, 2013. He was born August 4, 1921 in Trenton, New Jersey to Samuel C. Etchells Sr. and Cecilia K. Quick-Etchells. Sam grew up in Trenton with his two brothers, Mel and Ron. He joined the service soon after his high school graduation. His military career sent him to the Phoenix area in the early forties for pilot flight training at several Bases in Arizona. Sam married Billie M. Etchells in July 1943 in Phoenix, AZ and had two children, Ken and Kathy. He ended his active duty service as a flight instructor for almost two years at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. After the War he returned to New Jersey for a few months before soon returning to Arizona where he remained the rest of his life. Sam attended Phoenix College and Arizona State following his active military service. He subsequently spent many years following Sun Devil football with his family. He finished his military career in the Air Force retiring as a USAF Major. He began a 20-year career at Phoenix Title and Trust in 1946 where he was a Vice President before leaving for similar positions at other organizations in the Valley. Sam is a past President of the National Association of Accountants where he met his wife Beverly, also a past President. He also was a long time member of the BPOE Elks. Sam married Beverly K. Etchells, his wife of over 47 years, in April 1966 and Sam welcomed another son, C. Robert Etchells, to the family. Sam and Beverly enjoyed a lifetime of ballroom dancing and many other hobbies and interests over the years during which they won many dance contests. Sam spent over 45 years traveling throughout the world with his wife Beverly. Sam was a dog lover and enjoyed walking with the many pet dogs he had in his life. Sam was an avid golfer most of his life during which he played golf several times a week with his buddies and wife Beverly for many years. He was always active and busy. He and Bev enjoyed hosting their annual holiday season parties at their Phoenix home for their many friends and family. Sam enjoyed many valued friendships throughout his life. Sam enjoyed excellent health most of his life and would tell everyone he had a wonderful wife, family and life. He will be missed by all and always remembered for his sense of humor and love of life and family. Sam is survived by his wife, Beverly K Etchells, his sons, Kenneth R. Etchells (Linda) of Phoenix; C. Robert Etchells (Barbara) of Chandler, Daughter Kathleen C. Etchells-Cella of Van Nuys CA; Grandchildren: Tim Etchells, Bob Etchells, Kevin Etchells, Elizabeth "Lisa" A. Etchells, Pamela M. Etchells-Baker (Justin), Cynthia D.(Cindy) Brown, Peter R. Cella and Patrick B. Cella; and 3 Great-grandchildren: Hunter True, Austin P. Baker and Jackson R. Baker. He was predeceased by his Parents, brothers W. Melvin Etchells and Ronald K. Etchells. The family wishes to thank all of the compassionate staff at The Arizona Veterans Home for providing excellent care to Sam for the last few years. The family also would like to thank all of the excellent staff at Arizona Hospice who provided care and comfort to Sam. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 1028 E McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006-2662. Services: Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 2:30PM (Visitation and Viewing 1:30-2:30PM) at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.