Tommy Lee Ritch

Tommy Lee Ritch passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at his home in Matthews, NC. He was born on July 23, 1936 to the late Raymond and Laxie Sloan Ritch of Matthews, NC. He was preceded by his late wife, Betty Nelson Ritch of 68 years of marriage. Also preceded by his sister, Betty Jane Danagher. He is survived by his three children: Pamela Ritch Maxwell (Wayne), James Scott Ritch and Tracey Ritch Drye (Phillip). He leaves behind four grandchildren: Austin Lee Ritch (Ashley), Kasey Hayes Champ (Luke), Julia Carolina Drye and Jackson Gene Drye. Also one nephew Thomas Danagher.

Tommy lived his entire life in Matthews, NC. He worked at Parks-Cramer in Charlotte, NC specializing in welding fabricating, for over fifty years until he retired. He developed long lasting friendships with many of his co-workers from Parks-Cramer that lasted until his passing. Tommy loved the outdoors and fishing with his buddies, along with cooking the catch of the day for his dinner. On a sunny, warm day you would find him napping on a porch swing under the "Ritch Retirement Shelter" which held many family gatherings. He always had a year round vegetable garden, growing various plants but his watermelons and cantaloupes were the best every summer. In Tommy's early life he served in the Army National Guard and was a brother at the Matthews Mason Lodge. He is mostly known for the dedicated husband, father and grandfather that he was to his family in which he will be greatly missed!

On Saturday, February 15th there will be visitation of the family from 11:00am-12:00pm at Stephenson-Gaskin Funeral Services located 14617 W. Lawyers Rd. Matthews, NC. A celebration of life service in the chapel immediately following the visitation. A graveside service at Ritch Cemetary located 6905 Cunningham Ln, Indian Trail, NC.

The Ritch family would like to recognize Tillery Compassionate Care of Stanly County for their phenomenal care of our father, especially his nurse Deanna Deere.