1943
Wayne
2023
Wayne Mitchell Ritter
March 5, 1943 — March 18, 2023
Wayne "Buck" Mitchell Ritter, 80, of Hopewell, VA, went to be with Jesus on March 18, 2023. Born in Pinehurst, NC, on March 5, 1943, to Herman Bryan Ritter Sr. and Christine McDonald Ritter. He was preceded in death by both parents, as well as a brother, Jerry Casper McDonald.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Loretta Barron Ritter; two daughters, Christy Franchok (Greg) and Sara Bailey (Eason); two grandchildren, Barron Franchok (Christy) and Karaline Bailey (Sara); one brother, Herman B. Ritter Jr. (Linda).
Wayne grew up in North Carolina, where he picked tobacco on the family farm and went swimming in the family pond. He enjoyed the swimming, but he always said he didn't miss picking the tobacco. His homeplace bordered the Pinehurst Golf Course. Wayne perfected his swing in the backyard, often sending balls out onto the fairways. He was an outstanding basketball player in high school, earning MVP when his team won their regional tournament.
Wayne started college at Appalachian State, before finishing his Bachelor's Degree in History, with a minor in Physical Education from UNC at Pembroke. It was during this time that he watched the college golf team play, went home to practice all summer, and then walked-on as a member of the team the next year. After starting his professional career, Wayne earned a Master's Degree in Administration from Virginia State University.
Wayne taught in Hopewell City Public Schools for 39 years, where he also coached basketball and football. As a Physical Education teacher, he was known for saying "drop and give me 20". Wayne was an avid golfer and long time member of Jordan Point Country Club, where he often collected donations from his golfing buddies.
Wayne was a loving husband, a caring father, and a patient grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation. A public graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens, 11302 Merchants Hope Road, North Prince George VA, 23860.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Loretta Barron Ritter; two daughters, Christy Franchok (Greg) and Sara Bailey (Eason); two grandchildren, Barron Franchok (Christy) and Karaline Bailey (Sara); one brother, Herman B. Ritter Jr. (Linda).
Wayne grew up in North Carolina, where he picked tobacco on the family farm and went swimming in the family pond. He enjoyed the swimming, but he always said he didn't miss picking the tobacco. His homeplace bordered the Pinehurst Golf Course. Wayne perfected his swing in the backyard, often sending balls out onto the fairways. He was an outstanding basketball player in high school, earning MVP when his team won their regional tournament.
Wayne started college at Appalachian State, before finishing his Bachelor's Degree in History, with a minor in Physical Education from UNC at Pembroke. It was during this time that he watched the college golf team play, went home to practice all summer, and then walked-on as a member of the team the next year. After starting his professional career, Wayne earned a Master's Degree in Administration from Virginia State University.
Wayne taught in Hopewell City Public Schools for 39 years, where he also coached basketball and football. As a Physical Education teacher, he was known for saying "drop and give me 20". Wayne was an avid golfer and long time member of Jordan Point Country Club, where he often collected donations from his golfing buddies.
Wayne was a loving husband, a caring father, and a patient grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation. A public graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens, 11302 Merchants Hope Road, North Prince George VA, 23860.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne Mitchell Ritter, please visit our flower store.
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Thursday, March 23, 2023
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