William Thomas Ketcher of Little Rock passed away April 19, 2021 after a prolonged illness at the age of 74. He was born May 29, 1946 in Little Rock to the late Henry H. Ketcher, Jr. and his mother who survives him, Betty Cameron Ketcher of Little Rock. William was raised in North Little Rock and graduated from North Little Rock High School where he excelled in sports in both track and football. He then graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and had played football for the Razorbacks under Frank Broyles. William also attended one year of law school.
He worked for his family business Ketcher & Co, Inc. In the early 1990’s William moved to Moscow, Russia, USSR, and owned his own business Ketcher Trade where he imported Arkansas Food products and sold them in Russia. He Retired from Arkansas Department of Human Services in the Juvenile Detention Section.
Mr. Ketcher was past chairman of the Little Rock Planning Commission, he restored Historic Apartments on Arch St in downtown Little Rock. In the 1980’s he built a new home in Prospect Terrace with the guidance of his friend Rick Redden.
William received his Sailing and navigation Certification and sailed the Caribbean. He also achieved a pilot’s license.
William enjoyed coaching sports in several youth programs across the city thru the Upward program as well as The Boys and Girls Club, and was a volunteer basketball coach at The Anthony School.
He was a member of the Indian Princess Guides for dads and daughters and participated with his daughters, Page, Louise and Millie.
A member of St. Andrews Church on Kanis Road, William was a part of the Men’s bible study fellowship for many years.
William is preceded in death by his father, Henry Ketcher, Jr. and sister-in-law Jane Ketcher.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Theresa Courtney Ketcher whom he met on a blind date and later married on August 26, 1995; four children daughters Page Ketcher, Louise Riley, Millie Ketcher and son William Thomas Ketcher, II; Goddaughter Eliza Hussman Gaines; brothers Henry Ketcher, John Ketcher and Ken Ketcher; mother-in-law Faye Courtney; Sister-in-laws Kim Courtney and Bridget (Burleson) Williams; brother-in-law Tony (Donna) Courtney; a host of nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.
The family will host a visitation on Friday, the 23rd of April, 2021 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth between the hours of 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Funeral services for William will be held at 2 O’Clock in the afternoon on Saturday, at Christ Church Little Rock .
A private family burial will be held later.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hank Ketcher, Karen Keathley, Katie Litwa, Cameron Ketcher, Richard Ketcher, Randy Breece, Dr. Larry Mendelsohn and Walter Hussman.
The family would like to thank caregiver Sheila Roberson, Alzheimer’s Arkansas and Kindred Hospice.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas and St. Andrews Church on Kanis Road.
DONATIONS
Alzheimer'sArkansas201 Markham Center Dr, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
St Andrew's Anglican Church8300 Kanis Rd, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
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