Obituary of "Derek" Ritchie

JAMES DEREK RITCHIE "Derek" as he was known by all was 45 years old. Born August 11, 1975, and passed away July 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his brother Jason Destry Ritchie, and his stepfather William "Billy" Ferrell. Derek is survived by his mother Bernadette Ford Ferrell, father R.G. Ritchie of Fort Wort, Indiana, former spouse Nicole Franks Ritchie, his children Jase Derek Ritchie and Reese Anna Ritchie, and loving cousins, and a large family and lifelong friends. Derek was an avid sports fan since the age of 5 and played football, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, and any other sport he could take on. He graduated from Beech High School in 1993 joining the U.S. Army in November 1993. He served in Fort Knox, KY, Fort Sill, OK, and Camp Stanley in South Korea. He had a smile for everyone, was always full of energy, and was known as a clown to make everyone around him laugh and feel comfortable. He could win your heart with his antics and his gift of gab. Derek was fun-loving with an enormous love for his children and family. Visitation with the family will be held at Madison Funeral Home from 5 PM - 8 PM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, and 10 AM - 11 AM on Thursday, August 5, 2021. The funeral service will be at Madison Funeral Home at 11 AM Thursday, August 5, 2021. Pall Bearers: Dana McCrum of Sarasota, FL, Parrish McGrath, Clay Meacham, Brent Bale, Frank Webb, Spence Steele, and Alternate Lance Steele. Interment to follow at Hendersonville Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his children to a fund to be announced at a later date. Madison Funeral Home 219 E. Old Hickory Blvd., Madison, TN 37115 (615)868-9020