JOHN R. RITTER
Sept. 19, 1911-July 29, 2007
John Roberson Ritter died Sunday. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ryan Rasmussen officiating. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton.
John was born the son of the late William James and Mamie Kelly Ritter. He grew up in Lumberton and attended Presbyterian Junior College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After a stint as a pilot trainer in the Army Air Corps, he began a career with Allied Chemical Corporation in the marketing department where he held management positions in the agriculture chemical sales until his retirement in 1972. He has held a consulting position with Phillip Brothers Chemicals, Inc. of New York from 1973 until 1978 and also with Nitron Chemical Corporation of Greenwich, Conn. He has served as president of the North Carolina-Virginia Plant Food Institute and was a member of the Academy of Science of North Carolina.
John was predeceased by his brothers, Bill, Allan, Jimmy, and Kelly, and his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Cobb Ritter. John is survived by a son, John R. Ritter Jr. and wife, Betty, of Cumming, Ga. and daughter, Ann J. Ritter and husband, Cameron Cooke, of Greensboro. John is also survived by his sisters, Mary Laura Jackson of Spartanburg, S.C. and Catherine Prosser of Corte Madera, Calif., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John is a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a life member of Goldsboro Elks Lodge No. 139 B.P.O.E.
John extended himself in friendship to people of all ages and walks of life. He inspired many with his strong mind, positive attitude, and determination to grow in and live fully his faith. He was so grateful for all the support shown him by his host of friends.
The family requests memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash St., Goldsboro, N.C. 27530.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Seymour Funeral Home.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 30, 2007 1:47 PM