Dennis Keister Ritchie

Dennis Keister Ritchie, 99, of Florence, KY, left his earthly body on Tuesday April 26, 2022 at his residence and entered into the presence of his heavenly father, whom he loved and served so faithfully. Born Friday July 7, 1922 in Ritchie, KY (Knott Co.), he was the son of the late Alexander and Elsie Beth Combs Ritchie. On July 15, 1961 he was united in marriage to Doris Jean; she preceded him in death on April 19, 1995. Growing up on a farm in Knott County, he developed strong work ethics, which carried him far in life, in those early years he was a member of Camp Nathaniel Free Will Missionary Camp. In December of 1942 he enlisted in the US Army Signal Corps; he had an indelible love for his country and until the time of his passing, proudly remained one of a limited number of surviving W.W. II Veterans. Immediately after coming home from the Army, returning to his native Knott County, he was saved at a revival preached by Cory Turner, a converted moonshiner. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown College. He played an instrumental part in providing electricity to rural Kentucky through the Rural Electrification Program. His love for music (especially Bluegrass and Gospel) coupled with his desire for playing the guitar identified him as a talented musician; he regularly appeared on WKIC Radio in Hazard, KY. In the early ‘50’s he received an invitation to audition on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. One would often find Dennis playing the guitar along with his grandfather playing the banjo at many square dancing events. Over the years he performed in many churches throughout southeast Kentucky and abroad using his talents for the Glory of God. As a teacher, he taught American History and English; he started his career at Simon Kenton High School in Independence and ended his teaching career many years later at Twenhofle Middle School in Taylor Mill. For many years he served faithfully in Hickory Grove Baptist Church; at the time of his passing he was a member of 7 Hills Church in Florence. He will long be remembered as an avid supporter of the University of Kentucky and all their sports programs, but he will best be remembered as an excellent husband, father and grandfather. He leaves to carry on his legacy, one daughter: Cheryl Lynn Ritchie of Florence; one grandson: Kevin Christopher (Lauren Suzanne) Clouse of Union, KY; three great-grandchildren: Henry Enzo Clouse, Hudson Clouse, Hamilton Alonzo Clouse along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by three sisters: Marjorie Cox, Anyce Elyse Campbell, Pauline Clark and a brother: Hagan Denzil Ritchie. Graveside services will be held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery (KVC-N) with Full Military Honors on Wednesday May 4, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ryan Burkart officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Ritchie’s memory directly to: Stanley Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 130, Williamstown, KY 41097.