Larry Wayne Ritchey

Mr. Larry Wayne Ritchey age 73, a resident of Millbrook, AL passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Daisy Ritchey. He is survived by his wife Christine Ritchey, daughters, Jennifer Vandeveer- McLaurin (John) and Katrina Oliver, grandsons, Avery and Blake Selvage, and Giovanni Macias. Larry was born and raised in Palestine, IL, on his family's farm, leaving at an early age to join the military and travel the world, until he settled here in Alabama, which Larry fondly referred to as "Sweet Home". Larry is a veteran of the Vietnam War, earning several medals and honors over the course of his career. He began his career as a B-52G Electronic Warfare engineer assigned to the 320th Bombardment Wing, Special Air Command, completing several tours and Black Op missions. During the second half of his military career, Larry led and managed the development of Department of Defense combat readiness systems. He retired from the Air Force in 1988, after twenty years of service, having earned the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his retirement, he continued to support the Air Force as a contractor out of Gunter, AFB, again supporting the programming and development of military combat readiness systems. Those who knew Larry, understood that his military service was the highlight of his career, so it comes as no surprise that he continued to serve the AF as a civilian for another 24 years. Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed fishing, fast cars, Alabama football, and making friends wherever he went. Larry was a friend to all and stranger to no one, finding great purpose sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. While his passion and love for Alabama football and his Corvette would be described as unsurpassed, his true love was his wife “Little Honey." To honor Larry Ritchey's memory, the family is holding a celebration of life on Sunday, October 23, 2022 @ 2:00 pm at the American Legion Post 133, Millbrook, AL. We invite those who knew him to attend and raise a glass in his honor. Attendees are asked to wear bright colors or CRIMSON in honor of his lifelong passion of Alabama football. ROLL TIDE!!!