Howard "June" Walter Ritchie, Jr.

Howard "June" Walter Ritchie, Jr., 75, of Salisbury, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025, at his home.

June was born February 13, 1950, in North Carolina to the late Howard Walter Ritchie Sr. and the late Opal Maxine Batten.

He was also preceded in death by daughter, Stacey Jeanette Ritchie; siblings, Barry Ritchie, Patsy Ritchie, and Randy Ritchie.

The graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:00am at Biscoe Cemetery officiated by Rev. Don Burleyson. Burial will immediately follow at the Biscoe Cemetery at 480 N. Main Street, Biscoe.

Survivors include children, Walter Ritchie, Christopher George Ritchie, Jennifer Ritchie, Amy Fisher (Travis), and Jeremy Ritchie; grandchildren, Andrea Gardener, Travis Smith, MaKayley Ritchie, Cody Plummer, Justin Plummer, Nancy Tyner, Rachel Ritchie, Christopher W. Ritchie, Akira Jackson, Kairo Jackson, Elyana Fisher, and Tovias Fisher; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Brenda Stirewalt, Steve Ritchie, and Diane Hall; and numerous nieces and nephews. June also leaves behind his beloved best friend, his dog Duke.

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of a good and honest man — a hard worker, a country soul, and a solid rock in the lives of some of his family.

He was a man who found peace in the mountains and joy in helping others. He loved his children dearly, but if you asked him, his grandchildren were his pride and joy. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Whether it was a scraped knee or a broken car, he was the one you could call — day or night — and he’d show up without hesitation.

From a young age, he taught his kids the value of work. He had them under the hood of a car before they hit their teens, passing on not just skills, but a sense of purpose and confidence. He could build a motor from scratch, fix just about anything, and make you believe that no problem was too big. He truly was a jack of all trades.

He loved simple pleasures — watching TV in his favorite chair with a cold brew...or two, spending a day at the auctions, swapping stories and laughs with friends and family. Generous to a fault, he’d give you the shirt off his back without a second thought.

As Peanut put it: “My dad was my rock. If I needed him — good times or bad — I could count on him. He taught me how to build engines when I was just a kid, and he helped with anything he knew how to do. He knew everything.”

His life was marked with generosity as his quiet strength, deep love, and a heart full of kindness. Though at times, unable to express what he was feeling. As in many families, relationships can become strained and in serious conversations June would give glimpses of his heart for the desire for restoration, something he struggled with, even with God. In his own words, "I believe in God, there's no doubt about that, I just don't think He can save me, but I sure wish He would". June found himself watching the preachers on TV, not inclined to step through the doors of the church. It's with great hope that our Savior welcomes him with love that He can only give. He will be missed more than words can say — but never forgotten.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Ritchie family.