He was born September 19, 1929 in Chattanooga to the late Avo Holt & Harry Kasrael Ritchie, Sr.
Mr. Ritchie was a faithful member of East Side Church of Christ in Cleveland, TN where he was a longtime Bible scholar of early Hebrew history.
Mr. Ritchie began working with his father digging graves at “The Duck Pond”, which is now Chattanooga Memorial Park.
He was a United States Air Force Veteran serving during the Korean War as a Flight Engineer on B-29’s.
Mr. Ritchie received his Masters of History and Political Science from Vanderbilt University. He retired from Red Bank High School in 1984 as a beloved and respected full-time teacher, but continued in part-time capacity until 1997.
Mr. Ritchie volunteered on Friday nights as a ticket seller since 1957. He was a member of the Red Bank High School Hall of Fame.
He became a fixture at the Cleveland Library and the Cleveland History Library, continuing his study of history and sharing his vast knowledge with others.
His sister, Lovenia Wilhoite, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his niece, Merry Castings of Chattanooga; great-niece, Stefanie Wynne of Ringgold; and great-nephew, Grant Castings of Knoxville.
The family will receive friends Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 2-5 p.m. and Monday, December 2, 2019 from 12-1 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Valley View Chapel with Minister Jeff Archey and Minister Bill Maynard officiating. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416; or Helping Hands of Cleveland, LLC, 60 25th Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.
