Buddy Joe Ritchey

RITCHEY, Buddy Joe, 81, of Tampa passed away September 29, 2016 after a long and tough fight with Parkinson’s Disease.. He was born on September 16, 1934 in Anna, Illinois to William and Gladys (Leek) Ritchey. He married Connie (Romero) Ritchey August 24 1964 in Seville Spain. Buddy was preceded in death by his father, William Ritchey; his mother, Gladys Ritchey; and his brother Billy Ritchey. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Connie Ritchey; sons, Dave Ritchey and Alex Ritchey and his wife Barbara Ritchey; grandchildren, Nicole Jaime, Mandy Stock and Becky Morrow; and great grandchildren, Raina and Dale Jaime; Lydia, Molly and Isabella Stock; and Sophie Morrow. Buddy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business at University of Tampa and then went on to the USAF where he retired as Master Sergeant with Honorable Service (23 yrs) 1954-1977. He was an auditor for the City of Tampa’s Housing Authority and a member of Brandon’s First Baptist Church. He loved his family, Florida beaches and working around his home in Brandon FL. A faithful husband and good provider for his family, Buddy never missed giving a birthday card to his family members. He always had the best kept yard/house in the neighborhood and was a lookout for his neighbors. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 8 at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parkinson Foundation in his memory.