Raymond Cecil Ritchie

Raymond Cecil Ritchie passed away at the age of 86 on December 31, 2016 after an extended illness. A loving husband, father, grandfather and church and business leader, he will be greatly missed. Raymond was born on Sept. 28, 1930 in Salisbury to the late Charles Henry Ritchie and Carrie Penley Ritchie. He graduated from Boyden High School in 1949 and Catawba College in 1953 with a business degree. He played football as a tackle for Catawba and remained an avid and loyal Catawba football fan throughout his life. Raymond married his “high school sweetheart” and wife of 64 years, Shirley Peeler, on March 25, 1951 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Salisbury. A member of St. John’s since 1951, he showed his love for God by serving on Church Council and numerous committees and particularly in renovating and remodeling spaces. Raymond’s life of service was acknowledged with the St. John’s Silent Angel award. After graduating college, Raymond served in the Army at Fort Sill, OK and returned to Salisbury in 1955 with his wife and newborn son to work in the Cheerwine Bottling Company as a loyal employee and Vice President. Raymond’s hard work, management and mechanical skills were instrumental in the success of the Cheerwine Bottling Company. Raymond was active with the Rowan Industrial Management Club for many years and served the community on the Salisbury Parks and Recreation Board, the YMCA, and local Toastmasters. As loyal alumni and Catawba supporters, Raymond and Shirley shared Catawba College’s prestigious Adrian Shuford Award in 2010. In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his siblings Charlie Ritchie, Florence Gabbay, Bill Ritchie, and John Ritchie, and by his beloved wife Shirley on November 19, 2015. Those left to cherish his memory are his sister Nancy Bright of Florida; son Cliff and wife Amy, son Mark and wife Jane, and daughter Celia Ritchie Jarrett and husband Steve all of Salisbury and grandchildren Joy, Carl, Ben, Laura, Kate, and Carrie, and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks those with Caring Hands for their loving care during this past year. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 Tuesday, (Jan. 3) at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peeler Hall, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury. Service: A funeral service will be held at 1:00 on Wednesday (Jan. 4) at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury conducted by Rev. Rhodes Woolly with graveside burial service following in Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Memorials: Gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Arrangements are being handled by Summersett Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Raymond Cecil Ritchie

September 28, 1930 - December 31, 2016