We are saddened to announce the passing of Arthur Ketchersid, who lived a long and fulfilling life in Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. He was born on October 16, 1932, to Lloyd Elwood and Lois Clara Young Ketchersid. Arthur married Marcia J. Ketchersid in 1970 and together they had three children - Arthur L. Ketchersid III, Julie A. K. Stephens, and Marla A. Dozier. He was also a proud grandfather to three grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Dianna K. Taylor of Bradenton, Florida, and Carol Tormey of Charlottesville, Virginia; cousin Mary Ann Bullock of Vista, California; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Arthur was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth David Ketchersid and David Lloyd Hammontree, and sister, Betty Joyce LaFave.

Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning an Associate Degree from Palm Beach Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Master’s in Library Sciences from Florida State University. He later obtained a certificate of Advanced Studies from the University of Illinois. He would work at the Arthur had a distinguished career in library sciences, serving as the Head of Cataloging at the University of Georgia, Assistant Director of Libraries at Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida), and Associate Director of Libraries at the University of South Florida. He played a pivotal role in automating the library catalog at UCF and was instrumental in integrating the State University Libraries into the OCLC online cataloging system.

Alongside Arthur’s passion of learning, he was a man of culture, who traveled across the world including Hawaii, the Baltics, South America, Egypt, and Alaska. He relished every opportunity he could get to experience a new culture and landscapes. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 2:00 PM at the Masonic Home of Florida, 3201 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL. A reception will follow, providing an opportunity for everyone to connect and share memories of Arthur. Your presence would be appreciated.