Adolph "Sam" Laiche Jr.

Adolph “Sam” Laiche, Jr., age 89, of Poplarville, MS passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Sam was born in Metairie, LA on December 1, 1933. He graduated from Kenner High School and went on to study horticulture at USL in Lafayette, LA. It was during this time in college that he was given the nickname “Sam” by his closest friends. Following completion of his studies, he served in the US Army during the post-Korean war. Sam went on to work at Hodges Gardens in Many, LA and Nicholls State in Thibodaux, LA before making the decision to attend Mississippi State University to further his education in the study of ornamental horticulture. He graduated with a PhD in 1970 and accepted a research position with the MSU Experiment Station in Poplarville, MS. While employed with MSU, he published numerous studies/papers which subsequently benefited many plant nurseries in the south. He was awarded the distinguished Porter Henegar Memorial Award in 1985 for Outstanding Horticultural Research by the Southern Nurseryman’s Association. Sam enjoyed reading, traveling, hunting and watching sporting events.

Sam was of the Catholic faith. He practiced his faith and served faithfully at St. Joseph Catholic Church as a lector and as a member of the committee to build the new church and rectory.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Juanita “Nita” Ann Brashear Laiche; his parents, Adolph J. Laiche, Sr. and Babette Laiche; and a brother, Leon Laiche.

Sam leaves to forever cherish his memory to one daughter, Lynette Laiche Wesley; one son, Eric A. Laiche (Kelli); one brother, Vernon Laiche (Peggy); one sister, Babette Laiche Pellettiere; four grandchildren, Jay Wesley, Shane Wesley, Jessica Laiche Holland and Jacob Laiche and five great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend Sam’s Funeral Mass on Monday, September 25, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12 Bilbo Hill Dr., Poplarville, MS. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.