It is with heavy hearts and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of a loving, generous, dedicated, and courageous man, Larry Kenneth Ritchie.
Born on January 28, 1957, in Paso Robles, California, Larry was a beacon of light in the lives of everyone he touched. Larry, who passed on August 3, 2025, spent his final twenty-plus years in the welcoming arms of Arkansas, where he built a life filled with joy, laughter, and love.
Larry was a walnut farmer and boat maker by trade. His hard work and dedication were evident in the fruits of his labor, but it was his love for his family and friends that truly defined him. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Esther, whom he married on May 24, 2003, and a proud father to his son, Peter. Larry was always the life of the party, his charisma filling every room he entered. He had a knack for making everyone feel special, and his generosity knew no bounds. His love for sci-fi and scary movies, trucks, and motorcycles added to his colorful personality. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," and Larry made everyone feel loved and cherished.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Esther (Wallce) Ritchie; his son Peter Piccus, and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Piccus; and two grandsons, Christopher Piccus and Jason Arszmann.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Theodore Ritchie; a brother, Donnie Ritchie; two sisters, Lorraine Ritchie and Eddie Jean Jones; and twin sisters, Lavern and Shirley Ritchie.
His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him. As we remember Larry, we celebrate his life and the love, joy, and laughter he brought to ours.
After a private family committal in the Chapel of Light, cremation arrangements are provided by the J. Herman Humphrey Dignity Cremation Center under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. A private inurnment will be held later at Liberty Cemetery near Clarksville.
We encourage you to leave your cherished memories of Larry and upload photos to the memorial page at www.humphreyfuneral.com. In doing so, we keep his spirit alive, continuing to celebrate the remarkable man he was.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Humphrey Funeral Services, Inc. Humphrey Funeral Chapel.
1 Entry
Humphrey Funeral Services, Inc. Humphrey Funeral Chapel
August 4, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Funeral services provided by:
Humphrey Funeral Services, Inc.2801 West Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more