Charles Edward Ritchie of Johns Creek, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at AccentCare Inpatient Hospice Center-North Georgia, Cumming, Georgia. He was born in Smithfield, Kentucky, on April 16, 1935, to the late Flora Lee Tinsley and Louis Ritchie, Sr.

He attended Smithfield (KY) Elementary and Lincoln Institute, an all-black boarding school in Shelby County (KY). Charles loved to tinker as a child and was known for doing bicycle repairs. This love for anything related to mechanical parts led to his life's work as a master auto mechanic.

His mechanical expertise led him to the opportunity to attend General Motors training centers (Pontiac and Chevrolet) in Evendale, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan. Under the tutelage of Adolfo Smith, his primary trainer, he was able to thrive despite the overt racism he faced while he was there. Charles credited Adolfo for standing firm for him and insisting that his mechanical skillset was recognized and valued – He never forgot Adolfo's courageous action on his behalf.

His passion for automobiles led to his employment at several automobile dealerships in LaGrange and Louisville (KY). He eventually partnered with a progressive businessman, Earl Hamilton, ultimately opening his independent garage in 1986 following Earl's retirement.

Charles was also an avid fisherman who took every occasion to regale friends and family with tales of his many fishing exploits.

Charles is preceded in death by sons Paul and Stephon Ritchie, siblings Louis Ritchie, Jr., Dorothy Moore, Donnie Ritchie, Floyd Ritchie, Lavern Brown, and Barbara Turner.

Charles is survived by his wife Shirley Brock Ritchie of Johns Creek; daughter Charlcye Ritchie Kimbrough (Reed) of Brookhaven (GA); sons June Ritchie (Linda) of Louisville (KY) and Imani Rudolph (Theresa) of Newark (DE); grandchildren Tony Kimbrough (Sarah) of Snellville (GA), Stephon Ritchie (Paige) of Louisville (KY), Paula Mason of Louisville (KY) and Devin Rudolph of Castle (DE); great-grandchildren Jackson, Julien, Kanye, Braylon, Bryson, and Tristian; brothers Arthur Lewis (Ruth), Willie L. Ritchie (Valerie), Betty Ritchie, Frank Jordan (Margaret); mother-in-law Geraldine Brock; brother-in-law Ed Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Interment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery at a later date.