Sam Chance Loveland

Sam Chance Loveland passed from this earthly world on May 24, 2020. Sam was born in christian County, Missouri on August 14, 1925. He was one of 15 children born to Ora and Rachel Loveland. Because Sam lost his parents at a young age, he had to grow up fast. A pivotal point in his life was when at age 18, he made his way to Lindsay CA to live with an older brother.  It was at that time that he met his true love Verta Marie Williams at a small cafe in Lindsay. Shortly after this, he met a man in Lindsay who introduced him to a career that would start him on a path to his successful business as a painting contractor.

In a few years, Sam and Verta moved to Exeter CA where they put down roots and started a family.  He enjoyed many years in Exeter, being part of a bowling league, horseshoe pitching tournaments (two-time champ), and master guitar player. He was also a faithful member and elder in the Church of Christ.  During this time, his painting business flourished.  Sam became known as one of the premier painting contractors in the valley and was lauded for his meticulous work.  

In 1989, Sam and Verta moved to Visalia, California, where he continued to paint part-time and where he and Verta started on a new adventure; they bought and restored antique furniture. They had many enjoyable trips in search of antique treasures. Sam and Verta owned Top Notch Antiques in Exeter and were also involved in By the Water Tower Antiques.  In the mid 1990’s, after fifty-plus years in the business, Sam retired from painting.

Sam and Verta were members of the West Visalia Church of Christ where they met many good friends and often hosted home cooked meals, followed by games.  Sam never knew a game he did not like.  He also had a love for music, nature, writing poetry, and of course, his family. He was a renaissance man, always thinking of new ways to improve life.  He will be remembered as a man who loved God, loved his family, and loved the simple pleasures of life, always with a twinkle in his eyes.  

Sam is survived by his wife of almost 75 years, Verta, along with his three daughters, Jennifer Walker, Deborah Millwee, and Lori Haun.  He is also survived by a son-in-law, Thomas Haun. He is preceded in death by sons-in-law, Richard Walker and Tim Millwee.  Sam is survived by five grandchildren Brett Walker, Jason Millwee, Abbi Riddle, Ashley Haun, and Courtney Stonier.  He is survived by four great-grandchildren, Mattie Millwee, Aiden Millwee, Rylie Riddle, and Jetson Stonier.

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