Samuel Luther Belcher, Sr.

1922-2018

Samuel Luther Belcher, Sr., 96, of Junction City, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018. 

He was born on January 3, 1922, in Boyle County, Kentucky to the late Martin Luther and Julia Wilson Belcher. He was preceded in death by his spouses, Esther King Belcher and Doris K. Belcher. Sam was a proud Navy veteran serving during WWI, what’s been called the greatest generation of men. He was stationed on the battleship Iowa, that carried Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference in Tehran, Iran, one of its many appointments. Sam was over the men in the Crow’s Nest of the ship, watching for enemy planes and submarines. After his time overseas, Sam came home and was an accomplished businessman, owning many businesses including, Belcher Excavating, Sam’s Place in Junction City, Ponderosa Speedway, a scrap metal business, and many more. He also was an accomplished pilot, teaching many to learn to fly. Sam loved his family and his church, Alum Springs First Church of God.

Surviving are two sons, Jerry Belcher (Ann) of Junction City and Sammy Belcher (Gervis) of Junction City; grandchildren, Nancy Denham, Katherine Belcher, David Finley, Michael Finley, Jeffery Scott Finley, Rowdy King, Tammy Belcher Sparks, Samuel Luther Belcher III, Jamie Atwood, and James Johnson; and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara King and Sue High; five brothers, Jess, Bill, Foster, Denzil, and Joe Belcher; two sisters, Beulah Wilson and Daisy Lockhart; and a grandchild, Vanessa Cheatham.

Funeral services 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Alum Springs First Church of God with Pastor Donald Lear, Pastor Leland Lockhart, and Pastor Jeff Finley officiating. Burial in Danville Memorial Gardens. 

Visitation will be Monday, February 19, 2018 from 5-9 p.m. at Preston Pruitt Spurlin Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are his grandsons, David Finley, Michael Finley, Jeff Finley, Rowdy King, Sam Belcher III, and James Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Curtis, Jeff Cooper, Christopher Cheatham, Montie Atwood, Jim Belcher, Larry Belcher, and Mike Belcher.

Memorial contributions can be made to Heritage Hospice or Alum Springs First Church of God.