Ernest Samuel “Sam” Nitchie, 79, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 1:44 p.m. at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born on Nov. 19, 1941, in Hunter, Kentucky, to the late John and Mattie Nitchie.  On April 4, 1969, Sam married Marilyn Clemons who survives in Ada.

Sam retired from Dana Corp. as a machine repairman after over 20 years of service. He joined the U.S. Army in September of 1966, was a Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. Sam was also a member of the Ohio National Guard.  He was an active member at Believers Church of New Beginnings, Alger, where he played guitar.  Sam loved to "tinker" in his garage and kept the farmers in business by repairing their tractors and lawn mowers up until the last 5 years.

Also surviving are his three children: John (Linda) Nitchie of Findlay, Nikki (Johnny) Allen of Ada and Samantha (Travis) Hull of Arlington; 10 grandchildren: Lorena, Joey, Austin, Jonathon, Jordinn, Jonathan, Lane, Ethan, Brandon and Keagan; eight great grandchildren with one on the way; a brother, Charles (Phyllis) Nitchie of Pikeville, Kentucky; a sister, Minnie Nitchie of St. Marys; his niece Frankie (Lee) Pyles of Lakeview, and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Clara Cross and Etta Mae Salisbury; and three siblings whom died in childhood: Marie, George, and JL (John Lewis) Nitchie.

The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 8, at Believers Church of New Beginnings at 204 N. St., Alger, with Pastor Zelma Shepherd officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada with graveside military honors conducted by the Ada VFW Post #9381 Honor Guard.   

Friends may call three hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, March 8, at Believers Church of New Beginnings.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart T Farms at 6895 Sandy Point Road, Elida, Ohio 45807.