Ferdinand Christian “Rit” Ritter, 95, of Chattanooga, died on Wednesday, December 9, 2015.
He was born in Baltimore to the late Ferdinand and Ethyl Ritter. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ritter and a daughter, Patricia Straub.
Mr. Ritter was a very active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. He started work at DuPont in Chattanooga in 1949. He was transferred to Hamm, Germany; where he worked in a plant start up from 1967-1972. Mr. Ritter retired from DuPont in 1982 after 33 years of service. Mr. Ritter enjoyed woodworking, especially making clocks. He made over 250 clocks, most of those he shared with his family and friends. He also enjoyed golfing. He was a graduate of the Poly Technical High School in Baltimore and he graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Ritter worked for Glen L. Martin Aircraft before World War II. In 1942 he volunteered to go to North Africa with Martin to repair air craft for the British and American armed forces. He returned home in 1944 and married the love of his life, Shirley. In June of 1944 he was inducted in the US Navy.
Survivors include his son, Tom (Debbie) Ritter; grandchildren, Tom, Jr (Rayna) Ritter, Amy (Waylon) Weatherholt, Erin (Garrett) Santora and Virginia (Jason) White; great grandson, Nolan Weahterholt.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Reverend Evelyn Harris officiating. Entombment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12-2 p.m. on Monday.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 3210 Social Circle, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson.