Jerry Vernon Ritchey

Jerry Vernon Ritchey of Rossville, Tennessee, was born on May 2, 1942 to Opal and Don Ritchey. He was the third child of three. He grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the foot of Missionary Ridge in a humble home in a humble neighborhood. He excelled in sports. He played basketball, football, baseball, and track. His baseball team in high school won the state championship with an 11-man roster against a vastly more (on paper) talented team. In football, he was being considered to play for Tennessee until he blew out his knee.

In his disappointment, he decided to join the Navy, where he served on the carrier USS Hancock. While in the Navy, in San Francisco, he met the girl who would become the love of his life. Her name was Norene and they were soon engaged and subsequently married at Ridgedale United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. TN. They moved to Texas, then back to the Chattanooga area and soon had a son… then another, and then another. He raised in them love- showing them exactly the right way to conduct themselves as husbands, fathers, friends, and especially followers of Christ. Their family eventually moved to Collierville, where their sons, and their sons' families all still live today. In the mid-80s, he founded Hair Designs Unlimited, a salon that remains fondly remembered by many Collierville natives. Along the way, he impacted many in the community with his honor, truthfulness, and service to his fellow man. Rarely could he run errands in Collierville without running into a friend he had made along the way. His absence will be felt permanently. His was a complete life lived well. How glad we all are for that injured knee. 

Jerry ended his earthly service to the Lord on August 1, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Norene (Shepherd) Ritchey; three sons, Sean (Nichole), Jason and Nicholas (Jennifer) Ritchey; and eight grandchildren, Alexis (Patrick Silva), Paige, Dax, Chance, Colton, Layne, Kaitlyn and Stella Ritchey.

Funeral Services for Jerry were held at 11 A.M. Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Rossville Church. Interment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Memphis at a later date.