Col. John Ritchie

Willie sprayberry

John Ritchie was the epitome of a dad, and of course as good a friend that anyone could have. May he rest in peace until the great Lord takes him home.
Tom
Chelsea

Our Uncle John, Mom's Big Brother, was a very special man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Terry and all our cousins and their families. We look forward to seeing you soon. He will be missed by many who personally grew from just knowing him. His way of "guiding and allowing" us to find the correct way was indeed a special gift he gave to many. I will miss him with great memories, especially those sailing stories... Love to you all Jeffrey & Susan Hecker

I will miss Uncle John dearly. He was so funny and matter a fact. I loved that about him. Now he is with his sister's and parents. His family reunited. My heart and love goes out to his precious family that he and Aunt Terri created together ! I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL ~

I met John in 2003. Terry, I met you then as well. John used to come in to the retail outlet where I worked. He was always so funny, cheerful and pleasant to be around. He taught me a lot of Spanish! I know how much you all will miss him. I know you, Terry and Laura, and I just cannot imagine how tough this is on your whole family. You have all been such good friends and I offer you my sincerest condolences.

Col. Ritchie was a wonderful person. He knew me even though I did not have the privilege of being one of his students. He always had a smile, a hug, and a kind word and was genuinely interested in the lives of others. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He touched the lives of so many and he will not be forgotten.

'Colonel' was a joy to be around. I had the pleasure of knowing John through Rotary and he always made me smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. There is surely a large void in the town of Chelsea.

Steve, David, and family,

There will NEVER be another like him. He always had a smile and a story to tell. I looked forward to his visits to the office in Homewood. What a wonderful life, attitude, and example he was (and what fun!). May God bless you.
Sending love and hugs to you all,

Jodie Harbison Kilpatrick

I am grateful for my opportunity to have met the Colonel and worked with his son, Frank, at Chelsea High School. Col. Ritchie was a well-respected and loved man in Chelsea, and rightly so. I know his absence will be felt by his family and the community.. I extend my sincere sympahty to the family.
Praying for you,
Desiree Smith