William Vernon "Bill" Ritchie

William “Bill” Vernon Ritchie, 89, of Salisbury, NC passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at his home.

Bill was born January 4, 1936 in Davie County, NC to the late Mary Grubbs Ritchie and William Melvin Ritchie. He was a graduate of China Grove High School and attended NC State College. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked for the Department of Corrections for 36 years and retired as General Command Manager.

Bill was a member of Neel Road Baptist Church. He received two Order of Long Leaf Pine Awards. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing music.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannine Sims Ritchie on November 14, 2001.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Kimberly Ritchie Sikes (Ronnie) of China Grove; sons, Darrell Glenn Pruett (Sherri) of Salisbury, William Michael Ritchie (Charlene Gobble Ritchie) of Mocksville; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Brooks, Amanda Pruett, Tori Pruett, Dakota Ritchie, Ryan Brooks, Kolton Ritchie, Julian Meyers, Jordan Meyers, Kristian Meyers; great-grandson, Nash Ritchie; and companion, Judy Sloop.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Thursday (August 28) at Neel Road Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Jason Pierce and Rev. Franklin Myers officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rowan Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Neel Road Baptist Church, 135 Neel Road, Salisbury, NC 28147.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Ritchie family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.