Curtis John Ritchie was born April 4th, 1957, in Nuremberg, Germany to Curtis Huey Ritchie and Johanna Leokadia Kroll Ritchie. He passed away on September 23rd, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

Curtis lived in Germany until the age of 3 when his father was relocated to the United States. He graduated from Tishomingo High School and earned his associates degree from Murray State College.   He was passionate about technology and worked as an engineer by trade for 25 years.

Curtis enjoyed reading earlier science fiction from authors Isaac Asimav, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Robert Heinlein, and Aurthor C. Clarke.  In his youth, Curtis spent his free time playing pool.  As he got older, he loved playing computer games such as DOOM and Xargon.  He had a passion for building computers, fishing, and woodworking.  He built several pieces of furniture and an A-frame house during his lifetime.

He loved hearing about Maddie's wrestling matches and Vivian's dance and derby races.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years Kathy Ritchie; his daughters, Rebekah Ritchie and husband Storm Pierce, Kristen Watzelt and husband Gerald Watzelt, and Haley Ritchie; granddaughters, Madelyn Ritchie, Vivian Pierce, and Laura Watzelt; sisters, Barbara Norden and Ingrid Ritchie and husband Edward Culver; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and brother Henry Ritchie.