Rev. Charles Ritchie's Obituary
On May 20, 2019, at his home in Portland Tennessee, Charles Leon "Bud" Ritchie, age 77, went home to be with the Lord. He was born in Wise county Virginia and spent most of his life in the Southwest Virginia area. He was a minister for 58 years, most often preaching in tent revivals throughout the region. He also worked as a custodian at Garden Elementary through the 70's and the 80s where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Ritchie".
He was preceded in death by his first wife Wanda Marshall Ritchie in 1991, and his second wife Connie Jackson Ritchie in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents Charlie Benton and Lorraine Jones Ritchie Linkous, one brother Omar Ritchie and one sister Dorothy Stone.
He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Hale and husband Charles of Bristol Tennessee, son Charles "Charlie" Ritchie and Teresa of Bristol Virginia, grandchildren Kenneth "Kenny" Hale of Pahokee Florida, Rachel Hale of Bristol Tennessee, and Austin Hale of Bristol Tennessee. He is also survived by one sister, Phyllis Upperman and Chuck of Front Royal Virginia and several nieces and nephews.
After his marriage to Connie he became a father to her children, Michelle Steele and husband Gary, who lovingly took care of him and his last years, Mike Jackson and Jay Jackson. he also became a grandfather to the seven grandchildren, Cody, Brittany, Jeffrey, Amanda, Dylan, Josh, and Jessica and was affectionately called "PopPop" by them. There are also eight great-grandchildren who lovingly called him "Pepop".
A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be held at McClellan's Chapel Church, 14022 Banner Mountain Road, St. Paul, VA, on Sunday June 2, 2019 at 2 pm.
His remains will be returned to Wise county Virginia to be laid to rest beside those of his first wife in the Ringley cemetery on Sandy Ridge.
Arrangements by Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, a Nashville landmark since 1785 "Where Nashville Comes to Remember"
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?