Samuel Joseph Bickett, of Smithfield, Kentucky, passed away on April 1, 2026. He was born on October 13, 1954 in Whitesville, Kentucky, where he was born and raised.
Sam will be remembered for the joy he brought into every room he entered. A natural jokester, he had a way of bringing people into his world with his playful spirit, infectious laughter, and his occasional toss of the hat. He loved his people deeply. Sam found delight in all things like rod n reels, looking through cookbooks, trains, birthday celebrations, the holidays, Santa Clause (“Shat-tow”) and the Easter Bunny “Hop” and a drive “down the road” that undoubtedly ended in ice cream. He carried a childlike sense of wonder and warmth that stayed with him throughout his life and will stay with his family and friends as they carry his memory on. His love for the people in his life was felt deeply and unconditionally through hugs, kisses, and handshakes until his very last day.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Matilda “Tillie” and James “Tuck” Bickett, and two sisters Cornelia “Connie” and Mary Francis “Frankie.” He is survived by his siblings Delvenia Stumph (Jack), Paula Shaw (Don), Dinah Devoto, Lucy Bickett, Martha Paulin (Bill), Barbara Bickett, Doris Schooler, Lillian Holliger (Ted), Jim Bickett (Julie), and Claudia Applebee, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and dear family friends who loved him deeply.
Sam lived with his youngest sister, Delvenia, and her husband, Jack, where he was cared for with unwavering love, stability, and devotion. In their home, he spent his days “fishing,” taking golf cart rides, playing guitar, and shooting any animal he could see with his toy guns. Their care ensured that Sam was surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love throughout his life.
Sam will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. His spirit will carry on in the lives of those who knew him, inspiring them to remember the art of a good prank, to laugh with abandon, and to love with no bounds.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Cecil Funeral Home in Whitesville, Kentucky, with burial following at St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.