General Ritter Jr.

Killeen, Texas- SSG(Retired) General Ritter, Jr. age 85 passed away on March 1, 2025, in Austin, TX. He was born on February 8, 1940, in Orangeburg, South Carolina to the late General Ritter, Sr. and Maggie (Dantzler) Ritter.

General served his country with honor and distinction as a 22-year member of the United States Army and proud Vietnam Veteran. During his military career, General received several awards including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

General’s lifelong passion was music: from his live band, “Tex and the Wonders of Soul”, to his standing room only shows during his DJ days. General also was an entrepreneur. General was the proud owner of General Burger & Café and the night club “House of Jams”.

General or Coach Ritter was also a leader in the community. As Head Coach of the Darmstadt Trojans, he led them to a (13-0) Championship season. His two sons, Donnie and Wayne, had the privilege to be coached by their dad and embraced the father and son championship win.

General is survived by his lovely wife Janet Bowman of 63 years of marriage. Together they reared 6 children, Donnie Ritter (Susanne), Pamela Jones (Alfonzo), Michelle Lucero, Sean Ritter, and Glynn Ritter (Anita). Daughter-in-law Berneice, surviving spouse of Wayne Ritter, Sr. He adored his 16 grandchildren Christine, Natasha, Wayne Jr., Brittany, Nicholas, Brandon, Taylor, Alfonzo Jr., Ernest, Julian, Steven, Justin, Marquavian, Devin, Hailee, and Serena. General also had 6 great-grandchildren. They are Henry, Frederick, Lysander, Emry, Anderson, and Sophia. General is also survived by his sister Florimae Ritter Stevenson, brother John Ritter, numerous nieces, and nephews.

General was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David Ritter, his three sisters Catherine Ritter Neville, Gloria Ritter Middleton, and Elzoria Ritter Rivera, and his son Wayne Ritter, Sr.

A funeral service to honor SSG (Retired) General Ritter, Jr., will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home and laid to rest at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

March 12, 2025

Public visitation: 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

March 13, 2025

Chapel Service: 12:00 p.m.

Cemetery Service: 2:00 p.m.

Reception following at the funeral home.