Thomas L. Ritter of Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2018, at the age of 91. Tom was born in Bellville, Ohio, a small farming village. At an early age he learned that hard work was a way of life on the farm, a discipline he used throughout his life. In 1944, at the age of 18 and before his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent two years at various Naval locations. After the war ended, he enrolled at Kent State University in Ohio, where he met Charlotte, his future wife. They married after graduation and were together for just shy of 69 years. Tom worked in executive management for a large conglomerate, relocating often around the country until making Nashville home in 1965. With local partners, he acquired Buford Bros. and Pierce Equipment and ran those companies until he retired. Tom assumed many leadership roles in the Nashville and Brentwood communities, such as serving on the Boards of Directors of local banks, Martin Methodist College, and local Methodist charities.
Tom and Charlotte enjoyed golfing and traveling worldwide, visiting over 46 countries. Tom was quietly generous and could light up a room with his presence and charm. He spent his final years with Charlotte at the Heritage in Brentwood and Somerby of Franklin, and was a member of the Brentwood United Methodist Church.
Tom and Charlotte have four children, Kay (deceased), Leslie (David), Tom (Dana) and Greg, eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Tom is predeceased by his sisters Doris Ann and Dot.
Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the Kay Ritter Hassiotis Scholarship Fund at Martin Methodist College, c/o Sally Phelps, Advancement Office, Martin Methodist College, 433 West Madison Street, Pulaski, TN 38478. Services are being scheduled for a later date.
