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Jay Ritchie Sr.

Jay Ritchie Obituary

Jay Seay Ritchie Sr., 80, of Rockwell, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born on Nov. 20, 1935, to the late Gilbert and Ila Brown Ritchie in Rowan County. He was a 1955 graduate of Granite Quarry High School. Jay played professional baseball and in later years worked as a car salesman for Ben Mynatt Nissan. He was a member of Shiloh Reformed Church; the Major League Baseball Players Association; a faithful member of the Saleeby Fisher YMCA Coffee Crew; and Rowan County Sports Hall of Fame. Jay was a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. He played winter baseball in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela and remained an avid baseball fan throughout his life. Jay was an avid Duke fan and enjoyed watching sports. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Shelby. Jay is survived by his wife of more than 59 years, Shelby Jean Burwell Ritchie, who he married Dec. 22, 1956; two daughters, Cindi Stevens and husband Bobby of Salisbury, Luann Fesperman and husband Gary of Salisbury; son Jay Seay Ritchie Jr. of Rockwell; two sisters, Mary Sherrill and Lottie Simpson; brother Herman Ritchie; four granddaughters, Brittin S. Cox and husband Dustin of Asheville, Adrian S. Staton and husband Matt of Rockwell, Mikel Ann F. Mason and husband Chris of Weddington and Whitley Stevens and fiance Ryne Jordan of Salisbury; two grandsons, Ritchie Fesperman and girlfriend Elinor Hurt of Durham and Jase Ritchie of Salisbury; two great-granddaughters, Kenzie and Camryn; and three great-grandsons, Eli, Levi and Smith. In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by brothers George Ritchie, Hoke Ritchie and Ray Ritchie. Visitation: Visitation is Friday, Jan. 8 from 1-3 p.m. at the Shiloh Reformed Church Fireplace Lobby. Service: Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 8 at 3 p.m. at Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith, with Rev. Richard Myers officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Reformed Church Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Jay may be made to Shiloh Reformed Church, P.O. Box 308, Faith, NC 28041. Powles-Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, is assisting the family of Jay Ritchie. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Salisbury Post from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Ritchie

16 Entries

January 8, 2016

Dear Jay and all family members,
I was very saddened to hear of Jay Sr.'s passing. Just want you to all know that you have my deepest sympathies and my prayers at this time of loss. Jay Sr. was a very nice man...very friendly and always had a smile for everyone. He helped me with my very first purchased car!

Sincerely,
Tina Jones Barringer

January 8, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Always had a smile. Will miss seeing him at Tokoyo Express. F.Brown

Daniel Lane

January 8, 2016

Fond memories of a super baskketball and baseball player have never faded after sixty one years. What a terrific fellow, friend and joy it was to coach at Grannit Quary High for three years.
[email protected]

Lisa Merritt

January 8, 2016

I'm very sorry to hear of Jay's death. Thoughts and prayers with the family.

Lavonda Mullis-Fink

January 8, 2016

Luann, I am so sorry for your loss and will lift your family up in my prayers. God has picked another beautiful flower from His garden to be with Him.

Mary{Dinky} Crow Leach

January 8, 2016

Sorry for your loss.I remember in Atlanta sitting behind home plate playing with the kids when you were there.

Don & Nancy Anderson

January 8, 2016

The world lost a super man. I worked with Jay for several years and he was a terrific salesman plus he was an upstanding gentleman.

Eddie Hinson

January 7, 2016

Jay was my coach and my friend. I will miss you...rip to an East Rowan legend.

Marilyn lowe

January 7, 2016

Sorry for your loss Luann, your family is in my prayers.

Jimmy Miller

January 7, 2016

I'm saddened to hear of the passing of a good friend and fellow baseball lover. I've gotten to know Jay over the past several years at the East Rowan YMCA. We've had many discussions about baseball and a few other things. He was a good man and one I will miss deeply. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.

Rick Ferebee

January 7, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about Jay. I played on the Moose Lodge Pony League team he coached and had some great times. Jay was a wonderful person and always had a kind word for everyone.

Floyd Ritchie, Jr

January 6, 2016

Prayers to all the family at this time of sadness.

Fred Moore

January 6, 2016

Have known Jay for years-- briefly sold cars with him at Brad Farrah's in the early 1990s. Loved his stories about his career as a Major League pitcher.

Clayton Armistead

January 6, 2016

Sorry to hear of Jay's death. We talked Baseball at the YMCA. I enjoyed his stories of his Baseball playing.

January 6, 2016

I am very sorry to hear of Jay's death. He was a great man who always helped any time he could with Erwin baseball when we first started the middle school program. Talked to him many times at the Y always a joy to visit with. RIP Chuck Stanley

RON HATLEY

January 6, 2016

Jan and I are so sorry to hear this. What a wonderful man, father, and husband. We send our love to all the family. Ron & Jan Hatley

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