Everette L. Ketchie

The old lion has passed away in his sleep on October 7, 2025. He spent his last evening in his comfortable electric recliner in the company of his only son and his only grandson, who were seated near his feet in his den. He slowly was slipping away, exhibiting no struggle or discomfort.

Everette L. Ketchie was a youthful looking 97 years when he closed his eyes for the last time in his home that he designed, built and lived in since 1954. Now he was no carpenter with training or experience. He worked for Cannon Mills in Salisbury that produced bedsheets. He would leave work at 3 p.m., proceed to the construction site, working nights till well after darkness fell. Weekends and holidays were also home construction days. He cut the boards and framing, nailed them together, installed drywall, raised the walls, installed the rafters, installed ceilings and so on. He even convinced the local Savings and Loan to finance the home, loaning more money as construction progressed.

When you grow up during The Great Depression as a middle child of a broken family of 5 children, you learn to deal with adversity and disappointment with determination, confidence and a "can-do" spirit. He probably developed that confidence in the U.S. Army Military Police. He served in Occupied Japan at the close of World War II. This is what he talked about his whole life with great pride. He was impressed with the resilience of the Japanese people, who turned out polite, kind and gentle.

He returned home on leave after nearly two years in Japan with a plan to return to the Army. However, a blind date with a pretty blue-eyed brunette changed his life, and she became his wife in 1949. Exactly one year later, Garry Ketchie was born, to be their only child. Life happened, and he retired from Cannon Mills after nearly 50 years.

He is preceded in death by parents Claude and Blanche, brothers Claude Jr., Clifford and Steve. He is survived by a sister, Frances Ritchie, aged 93, who lives semi-independently in her own home in Granite Quarry; step-sister Claudia Chadbourne,79, who lives independently in Auburn, California; son Garry Ketchie and wife Gail of Hickory; grandson Derek, wife Leigh and great-granddaughters Caroline and Juliet of Charlotte.

Everette was not very social outside of his family but was independent and resourceful, even climbing on the roof to make home repairs and maintaining his vehicles into his 80's. He was a good and decent man who believed in honesty, integrity, equality and fairness, delivered with his signature kind smile.

A military graveside service is planned for family and invited guests.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Meals on Wheels Rowan

P.O. Box 1914

Salisbury NC 28145