Dr. William Lester Ketchersid

February 22, 1943 - June 6, 2015

Dr. William Ketchersid Dayton, TN Dr. William Lester Ketchersid, PhD, age 72 of Dayton, passed away Saturday June 6, 2015 in Lima Peru while on a mission trip. He was born February 22, 1943 in Rockwood, TN to the late Newell and Hazel (Wyatt) Ketchersid. He was also preceded in death by his wife Lee (Douglas) Ketchersid. A resident of Rhea County most of his life, Dr. Ketchersid earned his Bachelor’s degree at Tennessee Wesleyan College, his Masters degree at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his PhD in history from the University of Georgia. He was a Professor of history at Bryan College. He was a member of the Dayton Lion’s Club and enjoyed traveling, having made numerous mission trips. He was a member of the Dayton First United Methodist Church. Dr. Ketchersid is survived by his two sons William Lee (Jodi) Ketchersid of Destin, FL and John Ketchersid of Lehigh Acres, FL, two daughters Elizabeth Rodriquez and Deborah (Clint) Heath , all of Dayton, one brother Bob Ketchersid of Athens and twelve grandchildren. Funeral services for Dr. Ketchersid will be held Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Dayton First United Methodist with his pastor, Rev. Ken Pierce officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens. Please share your memories of Dr. Ketchersid on his on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com. The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton. They will receive friends at the church one hour before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to Bryan College or Dayton United Methodist Church Mission Fund.