William Curlin Ritchie

William married Rebecca Elizabeth Buckles about 1878 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Rebecca (daughter of Robert Campbell Buckles and Matilda Caroline Taylor) was born about 1858 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jennie married David E. Bennett about 1896 in , Giles County, Tennessee, . David was born on 26 Jul 1874; died on 13 Apr 1863 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, , Washington County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Matilda married Samuel C. Egli on 14 Dec 1902 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Samuel (son of John Egli and Sarah Fry) was born on 27 Sep 1876; died on 30 May 1921 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dora married John H. Alford on 20 Jan 1901 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. John (son of James Alford and Phoebe S. E. Creed) was born on 27 Dec 1876 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 10 Feb 1960 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, Stoney Creek, Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Andrew married Cordia E. Nidiffer on 2 Jul 1917 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Cordia was born on 12 Dec 1895 in , Giles County, Tennessee, ; died on 30 Apr 1996 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Eliza married William Elwood Neece about 1914 in , Giles County, Tennessee, . William was born on 1 Jun 1892; died on 25 Feb 1894 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Frona married Dan S. Peters about 1913 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Dan (son of Ruben Berry Peters and Nancy Oliver) was born on 10 Sep 1888 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 10 Apr 1949 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ruben Peters Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Hattie Etta Love on 12 Feb 1928 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Hattie (daughter of John Russell Love and Louiza J. Sims) was born on 21 Feb 1903 in Sevier County, , , Tennessee; died on 8 Oct 1975 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Charles Sandford White about 1918 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Charles was born on 17 Nov 1897; died on 27 Jul 1876; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Howard married Roberta Grindstaff on 14 Dec 1929 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Roberta (daughter of William Daniel Grindstaff and Jennie Rasor) was born on 13 Mar 1912 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 6 Oct 1957 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hallie married R. Paul Ellis about 1933 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. R. (son of Wiley C. Ellis and Betty E. Heatherly) was born about 1910 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died about 1983 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Maggie married Rhuda Andrew Scalf about 1926. Rhuda (son of Lula Scalf) was born on 7 Sep 1902 in Sullivan County, , , Tennessee; died on 1 Oct 1962; was buried in Caldwell Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sallie married Hobert O. Hardin on 1 Sep 1934 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Hobert (son of John R. Hardin and Hettie Frazier) was born on 14 Mar 1913 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 8 Mar 2000 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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COLUMBIA - Georgia Mae Ritchie Hyder, of Columbia, died on Monday, August 23, 2021. Born November 11, 1929, in Elizabethton TN, she was a daughter of the late Andrew “Andy” and Cordia Nidiffer Ritchie. Ms. Georgia graduated from Unaka High School and Steed college. She went on to work at Bemberg Industrial where she met her future husband, Clyde Hyder. They married on June 9, 1951 and as a military family, they lived in Fort Drum, NY, Fort Sill, OK, Schofield Barracks/Fort Shaffer, Honolulu, HI, Fort Sam, San Antonio, TX and Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC. After decorated service in Korea and Vietnam, and achieving rank of Command Sergeant Major, Clyde passed away in July 1994.

A member of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, Ms. Georgia retired from Fort Jackson on February 3, 1995, where she worked in civil service. On January 2, 1967, she was initiated and became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Fort Jackson Chapter 253, where she held many positions and at one time served as Worthy Matron.

Ms. Georgia was a lifelong sports fan who watched her nephew play basketball at University of Tennessee, to never missing her son‘s basketball or baseball games from the age of seven years old through high school. As an avid Gamecock fan, later in life she attended many football games with her friend/companion Jack Beamon. She and Jack enjoyed many evenings dancing at the senior center and traveling the south together. She loved watching all sports, especially women’s and men’s basketball and her beloved South Carolina Gamecocks. She also enjoyed attending Atlanta Braves games and after Jack’s passing, she never missed a Braves game on TV.

Aside from sports, she loved spending time with her family. She always looked forward to the many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Joni‘s or Tracy‘s house that also included watching sports under warm blankets by the fire.

Survivors include two children, Jill Long (LeMont) and Brett Hyder (Joni) all of Columbia, South Carolina; two granddaughters, Sheryl Long and Renee Coe (Keith); six great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, sister, Anna Ruth Cole; brother, Lawrence Ritchie; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A service for Mrs. Hyder will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Memorial Funeral Home, 212 N. Main St., Elizabethton, TN, with Mr. Scott Fisher, Minister officiating.. Burial will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

Georgia married Clyde Hyder on 9 Jun 1951 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Clyde (son of James Franklin Hyder and Rhoda Alice Sims) was born on 16 Jun 1930 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 29 Jul 1994 in Washington County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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UNICOI - George A. Ritchie, age 84, Unicoi, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a son of the late John K. and Hattie Love Ritchie.

George was born and raised in Stoney Creek but had lived in Unicoi most of his life. He was a 1955 graduate of Unaka High School where he played basketball and was known as Mr. Unaka or Hopper. He also attended Milligan College where he was the high jump champion. George was in US Army Reserves attending boot camp in Fort Jackson, SC.

George retired from Flav-O-Rich Dairy after thirty years of service. He was a member of the Unicoi Masonic Lodge # 681, Unicoi Shrine Club, Unicoi Ruritan Club, Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society, and served as the election commissioner in Unicoi for many years. He enjoyed watching his grandsons play ball and was known to many as “Daddy George”.

George was a faithful member of Unicoi United Methodist Church where he belonged to the New Beginnings Sunday School Class and sang in the choir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Bill, Gebe, and Gene Ritchie; two sisters: Mary Lou Scott and Linda Littleton.

George leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Nancy Seward Ritchie; two daughters: Ronda Simpson and husband, Rob, Sharon Slagle and husband, Donnie; three grandchildren: Connor Simpson, Clay Simpson, Lucas Slagle; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Randall and Gail Seward, Joann Ritchie; many special nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Unicoi United Methodist Church New Life Center. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM. Dr. Mike Pinner will officiate. Pallbearers will be Connor Simpson, Clay Simpson, Lucas Slagle, Steve Scott, David Scott, Mike Scott, and Bart Ritchie. Committal service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, May 2, 2021 in Happy Valley Memorial Park, Elizabethton.

George married Nancy Katherine Seward on 15 Jun 1963 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee. Nancy (daughter of Frank J. Seward and Living) was born about 1941 in , Sullivan County, Tennessee, ; died on 11 Mar 2023 in , Unicoi County, Tennessee, ; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, Carter County, Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ernest "Gebe" Ritchie, 74, of 1543 Highway 91, Elizabethton, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2013 at his residence following an extended illness.
He was a son of the late John and Hattie Love Ritchie and was born in Carter County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Ritchie and Gene Ritchie; two sisters, Mary Lou Scott and Linda Littleton.
Mr. Ritchie was a member of Stoney Creek Baptist Church and attended New Liberty Free Will Baptist Church. He retired from Summers-Taylor as a truck driver and had previously driven for Mason Dixon, ETW&C, and Beaunit. He was also a former bus driver with the Carter County School System.
For forty years, he was known as one of the best auctioneers in the area, having graduated from the Mendenhall School of Auctioneering, High Point, NC, in November 1969.
Mr. Ritchie was a United States Army veteran, having proudly served during the Vietnam Era. He spent many years with the Carter County Honor Guard and was a member of the American Legion Post #49, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Mr. Ritchie was a lifetime member of the Carter County Rescue Squad and served fourteen years on the Carter County Board of Education and was presently serving on the Carter County Commission at the time of his death.
Mr. Ritchie is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Lynice Williams Ritchie, of the home; one son, Doug Stevens and wife, Carrie, Elizabethton; two daughters, Wendy Sams and husband, Wayne, Elizabethton, Jenny Lockett and husband, Jerry, Water Park Fla.; three grandchildren, Josh Sams and wife, Brooke, Laikyn Stevens and J. Allen Lockett; one great-granddaughter, Emma Nichole Sams; one brother, George Ritchie and wife, Nancy.
The funeral service will be conducted at 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2013, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Ray Colbaugh and Rev. Eric Heaton officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Kenny Greer and Mr. Dennis Laws.
The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:00 PM prior to the funeral service in the chapel or at the residence at other times.
The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 14th at the Ritchie Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Steve Scott, Mike Scott, David Scott, Bart Ritchie, Donnie Dean Slagle and Rob Simpson. Honorary pallbearers will be his very special best friend Henry Wayne Ensor, Dallas Sams, Richard Williams, Aubrey Ensor, Ken Calloway, Keith Bowers Jr., Keith Bennett, Jack Love, Lawrence Ritchie, Johnny Davis, Dewey Renfro, Howard Hoilman, Ronnie Ritchie, all members of the Carter County Commission and all of his auction family.

Ernest married Lynice Ann Williams about 1988 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Lynice (daughter of Rev. Herbert Hoover Williams and Rada Lee Peters) was born on 31 Oct 1952 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 9 May 2013 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ritchie Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Mrs. Nellie J. Lewis, age 93, of Peters Hollow Road in Elizabethton went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Ivy Hall Nursing Home. Nellie was born May 5, 1928 in Elizabethton to the late Charles and Mary Blanche Ritchie White. In addition to her parents, Nellie was also preceded in death by her husband, Campbell H. (Herman) Lewis; and four brothers, Arlie White, Stewart White, Hubert White and Jerry White.
Nellie was a homemaker and loved taking care of her home and her family. She was a graduate of Unaka High School and was a member of Union Hill Free Will Baptist Church. Nellie will be missed by all that knew her.
Those left to cherish Nellie’s memory include her three daughters, Linda Lewis, Sherry (Buford) Peters and Judy (Don) Williams all of Elizabethton; her brother, Gary White of Elizabethton; her sister-in-law, Ms. Hubert White of Maryville, TN; two grandchildren, Melanie (Chris) Schuettler and Katie Williams all of Elizabethton; two great grandchildren, Corie Schuettler and Colton (Lakeisha) Schuettler both of Elizabethton; her extended family and special friends, Gene and Mary Evelyn Buck; and her special church friend, Ms Beulah Peters. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
An open visitation for friends to sign the guest register book and pay their condolences will be conducted from 12:00 PM until 4:30 PM on Monday, March 28, 2022 and also from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton.
A graveside service to honor Nellie’s life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 in the Ritchie Cemetery with Pastor Kenny Lethcoe officiating. Music will be provided by Mr. Dennis Laws, soloist. Active pallbearers will be Tommy Verran, Chris Schuettler, Colton Schuettler, Joey White, Doyce Sheffield and Michael Belt. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Laws, Kenneth (Sneed) Shankles, James Carroll, Jessie Colbaugh, Lawrence Pierce, Sonny Fletcher and Lester Julian.

Notes:

Darrell "Dolly" Egli Spake, 87, of Fallston, N.C., went to her heavenly home Thursday, September 20, 2018, at Carolinas HealthCare System-Cleveland with her loving husband by her side.
Born October 20, 1930, in Elizabethton, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late Howard and Roberta Egli.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bill Spake.
The family will receive friends from 2 until 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Fallston Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Fallston Baptist Church with the Rev. David Blanton officiating. The entombment will follow the services in the Rose Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum, Fallston.

Notes:

Samuel Leon "Buddy" Hardin, age 77, of Elizabethton, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Johnson City Medical Center after an extended illness.
A lifelong native of Carter County, he was born in Elizabethton, TN, to the late Hobert and Sally (Alford) Hardin.
Sam attended Unaka High School and graduated from East Tennessee State University and The School of Banking of the South (Louisiana State University). He retired from Walters State Community College, Morristown, TN, where he was a supporter of the Walters State Senators.
Sam was an avid golfer and life-long Tennessee Volunteer fan, but above all he loved spending time with his family and supporting the athletic events of his grandchildren. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend loved dearly by his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce "Peggy" (Holly) Hardin; and stepmother, Juanita (Cole) Hardin.
He is survived by two daughters, Tammy Hedge and husband, Bill, of Jupiter, FL, Lori Armstrong and husband, Mike, of Johnson City, TN; three grandchildren, Shannon Hedge, Cody Armstrong (Great Falls, MT) and Caleb Armstrong; sister, Dora Lynn Moneyhun, of Greeneville; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Cynthia Simmons, Morristown, TN.

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ELIZABETHTON - Claudia Nell Ensor, 87, Elizabethton, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from Life Care Center of Elizabethton. A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Blonnie Blanche Alford. Claudia was born and raised in the Carter community of Stoney Creek. She had retired as office manager for Dr. Douglas Cole, and she dearly loved the practice’s patients, her co-workers, and Dr. Cole and his family. Claudia was one of the few remaining charter members of Unaka Baptist Church, where she was a faithful choir member. She loved to sing, and especially enjoyed attending “singing school” every year, along with her good friend Ann Hardin.
Claudia was a graduate of Unaka High School, where she was a member of the girls’ basketball team.
She was an excellent cook and home decorator and always made the holidays very special for her family.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were Claudia’s world. Whether it was driving them to ballgames, school events, or church activities, there was nothing she relished more. Loved ones often joked that Claudia didn’t like to sleep for fear she’d miss out on something “the kids” were doing. She admitted she was the reason a few of them were spoiled.
Claudia lost the love of her life, Ralph Ensor, on March 16, 1983, in a tragic accident. They had married on July 8, 1952, and Claudia always counted those 30 years and 8 months as the best part of her life. Claudia was also preceded in death by her cousin, Geraldine Grindstaff, who she counted as a sister.
Survivors are her three children: Jeff Ensor (wife, Nancy); Jennifer Grindstaff (husband, Gary); and Alan Ensor (wife, Pam). Five grandchildren: J.R. Ensor (wife, Julia); Justin Grindstaff (wife, Rebekah); Madison Bowman (husband, Joe); Andrea Lee (wife, Suzanne); and Adam Ensor. Ten great-grandchildren: Cale Ensor, Olivia Whittaker, Mathias Ensor, Taylor Grindstaff, Jared Grindstaff, Patrick Sexton, Charlie Bowman, Micah Lee, Coraline Lee, and Axton Ensor.
The family would like to express a very special and sincere “thank you” to all the staff of Life Care Center of Elizabethton for the loving care, hugs, and attention she received. You truly spoiled her! Thank you, Unaka Baptist Church family, for remembering Claudia in prayer and with visits and gifts. For the other friends of Claudia’s and the family who took the time to visit; you will never know how much your visits meant to her, and to us. A very sincere thanks to you.
Per Claudia’s wishes a number of years ago, there will be no formal funeral service or visitation. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. in the Ensor Cemetery.

Claudia married Ralph Ensor on 8 Jul 1952 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Ralph (son of Ben C. Ensor and Mary Myrtle Bishop) was born on 4 Jan 1933 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died in Mar 1983 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Ensor Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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ERWIN - Sharon Kay Ritchie Slagle, age 50, Erwin, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. She was born on December 25, 1971, in Johnson City, Tennessee. Sharon is a daughter of Nancy Seward Ritchie and the late George Arliss Ritchie.
She was a proud member of the Unicoi County Lady Devil’s Basketball Team from 1986 until her graduation in 1990. Sharon earned her BS Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from East Tennessee State University. She began her teaching career at Rock Creek Elementary School where she taught first grade for several years. Then, Sharon started teaching Pre-K at the Community Learning Center with Unicoi County School System. Later, Sharon became the Director of Pre-K Program with the Unicoi County School System. She attended Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church for several years.
Sharon coached the Unicoi County Middle School Lady Devil’s Basketball Team. She loved watching her son, the light of her life play football, basketball and baseball for the Unicoi County Blue Devils. Sharon attended all his ballgames as well as her nieces and nephews sporting events. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher and friend. Sharon will be greatly missed by her family and everyone who knew her. The impact Sharon’s short life made on others will be remembered forever and live on for generations to come. Heaven gained an angel.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Frank and Florence Seward and her paternal grandparents, John K. and Hattie Love Ritchie; father-in-law, Donnie Slagle.
Sharon leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories of her, husband of twenty-seven years, Donnie Slagle; her son, Lucas Slagle, of the home; mother, Nancy Seward Ritchie; sister, Ronda Simpson and husband, Rob; mother-in-law, Tonette Jones and husband, Glenn; sister-in-law, Saundra Miller and husband, Dave; Uncle Randall Seward and wife, Gail; Aunt Joann Ritchie; nieces and nephews: Sydney Miller, Shelby Dean Miller, Joshua Miller, Connor Simpson and Clay Simpson; many very special cousins, friends and co-workers also survive.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church. A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Noah Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Connor Simpson, Clay Simpson, Rob Simpson, Joshua Miller, Dave Miller and Josh Seward. Honorary pallbearer will be John English.