Mr. Ritter was born on February 22, 1925 in Monmouth, IL, son of the late Alma and Della Merideth Ritter.
Mr. Ritter served in the United States Army as a artillery Tech. Sgt during WWII in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea, Lete, and Luzon in the Philippines. Joe received several medals and awards for his courageous actions during his service including 3 Bronze Stars, 2 overseas service bars and a good conduct medal.
Joe served on the Rockford, IL school board, a scout master for several years, he belonged to the Cape Fear Living History Society, was a member of SCV Military Order of the Star and Bars, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of Friendly Community Baptist Church.
Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife of 27 years, Emma Louise Vann Ritter.
Joe is survived by his children: Joe Vann Ritter of Kalama, WA, Sharon Annette Peacey of Roscoe, IL, Wendy Sue Clark of Rocky Point, NC, Brantley Eugene Ritter of Rocky Point, NC, Aaron Henderson Ritter of Wilmington; sister, Ann Cropp of Rockford, IL; and brother, Howard Ritter of California; six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday September 23, 2011 at Coble Ward - Smith Funeral Home, 3915 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday September 24, 2011 at Coble Ward - Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Elbert Brandshaw officiating.
A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 3:00pm at Cross Creek Cemetery, 280 Lamon Street Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Pallbearers will be Raysjon (Ray) Clark, Charles Clark V, John Winecoff, Johnny Wells, Chris Jones, and Carlos Rimitez.
The staff of Coble Ward - Smith is honored to serve the family of Joe Henderson Ritter.
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