Virgil Clay Ritchie, Sr., 91, widower of Nadine Ritchie, died Thursday, March 8, 2007 at Johnson-Mathers Nursing Home.

He was born September 6, 1915 in Nicholas Co. to the late Ben & Addie Kelley Ritchie. He was a member of Blue Licks Lodge #495 F.&A.M., was a 32nd degree Mason, was a 25 year member of Knights Templar and Olekia Shrine was a Ky. Colonel and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He formerly worked for the City of Carlisle Police Dept., the Nicholas Co. Sheriffs Office, Blue Grass Knitting, was a mechanic and retired from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was a founder and charter president of the Nicholas Co. Lions Club. He was also a member of the American Legion & V.F.W. and was a Ky. Colonel.

He and his wife also raised many foster children over several years.

Survivors include 6 sons, Clay Ritchie, Carlisle, Paul Ritchie, Winchester, Wayne Ritchie, Nicholasville, Gayle Ritchie, Louisiana, Howard Ritchie, Paris & Paul Jordon, Maysville, 4 daughters, Beth Tuttle, Nashville, TN, Pat Sanderson, West Union, Ohio, Shirley Carpenter, Flemingsburg and Opal Ritchie, Winchester, a sister, Evelyn Purcell, Lexington and several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Services will be 12:00 Noon Monday at Mathers-Gaunce F.H. by Rev. Don Wagoner. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery, Dover.

Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 P.M. Sunday with masonic rites at 7:00 P.M.