He is survived by his children Ferris (Pam) Ritchey III, Tracy (Karen) Ritchey, Anne (Ben) Owens, Maria (Mike) Pisano; grandchildren Candace (Wayne) Knight, Blake Wood, Cameron Ritchey, Gillian Ritchey, Luke Owens, Hannah Owens, Isabella Pisano, and Samantha Pisano, Great-Grandchildren; Emma Kirkemier, Wyatt, Clayton and Taylor Knight, and Logan Wood; his brothers Sam and Albert (Mary Grace); sisters Mildred Stephens, Lorene George, Elizabeth (Johnny) Boackle; brother-in-law Tullie Hollis; sisters-in-law, Elaine Ritchey, Elizabeth Ritchey and Anna Brewer; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Ferris was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, his parents, Ferris and Annie Ritchey; brothers, Phillip (Kitty), George (Dot), James, Joe, and sisters, Gladys, Agnes and Betty Hollis; brothers-in-law; Fred George, Bill Stephens, Sam Brewer; and sisters-in-law, Edna, and Amanda Sheffield.
Ferris is a graduate of Woodlawn High School. He received his undergrad and law degrees from the University of Alabama. He was a member of Farrar Order of Jurisprudence, Phi Alpha Delta, Law Review, ODK and “The Jasons”. Upon graduation, he began his law career in Birmingham. In 1951, he founded the law firm of Ritchey & Nicholson that evolved into the family law firm of Ritchey & Ritchey in 1959 when he began practicing with his brother, Albert, which continued throughout his accomplished legal career.
In addition to the practice of law, Ferris was an entrepreneur of a variety of business interests and a prominent member of the Birmingham business community. In addition, he achieved the rank of Major in 20 years of service in the United States Army Reserve 87th Support Command.
Ferris was devoted to his beloved local church, St. George, holding various leadership positions both locally and nationally which contributed to the growth of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in The United States, which led to the establishment of its own diocese, The Eparchy of Newton.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Gettinger at UAB, the caring staff at Comfort Care, and their parents’ wonderful home caregivers, Carmel Tanner and Annie Thomas.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 13, 2018 at St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church between 4-6 pm, with Vespers following at 6:00 pm and Memorial prayers at 6:30 pm. The funeral service will be at St. George on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery. The family invites everyone to join them for a Mercy Meal at the church following the graveside service.
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