Charles Ritchie

1932 - 2025

Charles M. ("Chip") Ritchie passed away on September 14th, 2025. He was born February 13th, 1932 in Concord, NC to the late Agnes E. and G. Pat Ritchie. He graduated from Concord High School in 1950 and from Georgia Tech in 1954. Mr. Ritchie married Mary Anne Foley of Pineville, KY in 1952 and they celebrated their 71st anniversary on November 15th, 2023.

In 1954, Mr. Ritchie entered the Navy for three years. In November of 1955 he graduated with the 15th class of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and became a member of UDT 21. On May 1st of 1983 UDT 21 was re-designated as SEAL Team 4 and Commander Ritchie remained active in the U.S. Navy Reserve for an additional 19 years. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Captain in 1992. He was a charter member of the UDT-SEAL Association.

After active service in the Navy, Mr. Ritchie joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation as an engineer. In 1990, he retired from Westinghouse where he was Director of Field Sales for power generation and nuclear products and services. He returned to Concord and the family business, Ritchie Auto Parts, working with his brother, the late G. Pat Ritchie, Jr. He moved into the family home at 401 Union St., S., residing there with Mrs. Ritchie for 31 years before moving to Wilmington.

In addition to his parents and brother, Mr. Ritchie was predeceased by his wife and one grandchild, Jason G. Ritchie. His five children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren survive Mr. Ritchie. The children are Charles M. Ritchie, Jr. (Virginia, "Jenny"), of Silver Spring, MD; Philip F. Ritchie (Rachel), of Charlotte, NC; Allen W. Ritchie (Mimi), of Birmingham, AL; Marshall W. Ritchie (Anna) of Wilmington, NC; and his daughter, Miriam E. Ritchie of Wilmington, NC.

The family requests memorials in-lieu of flowers to Cooperative Christian Ministry, CVAN or the First Presbyterian Church of Concord. A memorial service for Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie will be held in Concord on a future date.