Bobbie Ray Ritchie

Bobbie is survived by two caring and devoted children Mike Ritchie (Jackie) and Cindy Braswell (Russell); five grandchildren Stephanie Schell (Andrew), Jared Braswell (Hannah), Matthew Ritchie (Aron), Jacob Braswell (fiancé – Sarah Piper) and Jana Ware (Ross); and four great grandchildren Landon Braswell, Sam Schell, Noah Schell and Nora Jane Ritchie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Adam and Velma Herrington Ritchie; two sisters Marie Horton and Louis Harrison and his loving and devoted wife, Johnnie Ritchie.

Bobbie was born June 25, 1928, to Clarence Adam and Velma Herrington Ritchie in Laurel, Mississippi.

As a teenager, Bobbie discovered a love for music while singing in the choir at Dauphin Way Baptist in Mobile, Alabama. This love of music ultimately led Bobbie to a relationship with Christ.

After graduating from Murphy High School in 1946, Bobbie began his career with Otis Elevator.

In early 1953, while working on an elevator installation at Moody Hospital in Dothan, Alabama, Bobbie met Johnnie English. After a brief courtship, Bobbie and Johnnie were married at a local residence in Dothan on June 20, 1953.

Bobbie and Johnnie travelled the southeast as Bobbie worked on various elevator installations. In the mid 1960’s, the couple moved to Vestavia, Alabama and ultimately settled in Hoover, Alabama when Bobbie was promoted to Southeastern Regional Construction Superintendent. In 1968, they joined Green Valley Baptist Church.

In the early 1970’s, while singing in the Green Valley choir, Bobbie recorded an album, “The Old Rugged Cross”. The following quotes are included in Bobbie’s testimony found on the record’s jacket cover; “It is my prayer that those hearing this message in song will be led to let God have His way in their life and find the peace that I found several months ago when I made that decision.”

“Most of all, I thank God for his Son who died on “The Old Rugged Cross” for our sins.”

After retiring in 1986, Bobbie remained active working on projects at his “heaven on earth, the Sandspur”, a farm in Barbour County, and by taking up woodworking. He challenged himself to use scraps or left-over wood to “make something out of nothing”. He shared his faith through his woodworking projects (nativity scenes, clocks, napkin holders and many others). Bobbie often used this metaphor for how Christ transformed his life from nothing to something.

In addition to his love for his Lord, Bobbie loved his family intensely and sacrificially. As grandchildren came along, he became known as Pop Pop. To quote one of his grandchildren, “Experiencing Pop Pop’s love is the closest thing I will experience to God’s love during my time on earth”.

Bobbie prayed for his family daily. He also prayed for God to provide an opportunity to help someone.

Because of his love for God and love for people, Pop Pop will always be remembered. He exemplified what it means to be a Christian. While we grieve his passing, we know we will see him again. To God be the Glory. AMEN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you prefer to make donations, please click on one of the links below to Highland College or Wounded Warrior Project.