| Graduation Year | Class of 1959 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 23, 2017 |
| About | Philip "Pete" Rhodell Ritchie, Sr., age 76, of Timberville, VA, passed away at his home October 23, 2017 surrounded by his loved ones. Pete is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Betty Bennington. Also surviving are his sons Philip Ritchie, Jr. and wife Deanna of Harrisonburg, Greg Ritchie and wife Faye of Broadway, and Kevin Scott Ritchie of New Market; his daughters Kimberly Shumaker and husband Dennis of Atlanta and Karey Wolfrey and husband Gary of Manassas; sister Jane Turner of Broadway and brother Boyd Ritchie and wife Brenda of New Market and brother- in- law John Bennington and wife Sandra of Harrisonburg; grandchildren Kyle, Jenna, Mckensie, Addison, Elise, Logan, Austin, Drake, Brock, Gary, Jr., Jason and Jackie; and six great grandchildren and nieces and nephews and extended family. Pete was preceded in death by brothers Robert Ritchie and wife Mary and William "Junior" Ritchie, Jr. and wife Martha. Born in Gettysburg, PA to the late Ruia Crider and William Ritchie, Pete's family moved to the Timberville-Broadway area when he was four and it is the Timberville-Broadway community that he was proud to claim as his hometown. As a teen Pete attained the rank of Eagle Scout and lived his life true to their oath of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, physical fitness, mental awareness and morality. Pete was a 1959 graduate of Broadway High School and a 1963 graduate of Bridgewater College. While attending BHS Pete was a letterman in basketball, track and field and football. He was state runner up in the low hurdles and 4th in the long jump. During his senior season he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and was named to the all-district team. He went on to play football and run track at Bridgwater College where he earned All-American honors in both sports. Pete later earned his Masters Degree in education from The University of Virginia. After graduating from Bridgewater, Pete began his teaching/coaching career at Fort Defiance where both his football and track teams won the District Five title in 1964. Pete later coached at Patrick Henry and Prince George High Schools, both AAA schools in the Richmond area, before returning to his beloved Broadway in 1979 as an assistant coach and taking over the head reigns in 1982. At BHS he had 8 winning seasons and a District Championship in 1984 with a record of 10-0. Pete coached until 1991 when he retired after 30 years in education. One of Pete's proudest moments was being inducted in the charter class of the BHS Hall of fame in 2012 as both an athlete and a coach. In his retirement years Pete renewed his passion for the outdoors and "Mother Nature's" beauty by turning his own back yard into an amazing touring garden. He took great pride in his gardens, particularly his day lilies, irises and peonies. Retirement also afforded Pete the free time to enjoy his other passions of reading, working the daily crossword puzzle, watching college football (go hoos!) and most of all attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Pete also took great pride in participating in and winning the competition held by the Town of Timberville to create a new town logo. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Sentara Hospice and in particular Angie Morris for her outstanding care and support. The family asks that you join them at the Grandle Funeral Home in Pete's beloved Broadway, VA on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 5 to 8 pm to share your fond memories of Pete with them. If you are so inclined, the family would love to see you display your "team spirit" by wearing the BHS or UVA colors, or by sporting the jersey of your favorite teams. A private service will be held at a later date. While Pete loved flowers, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you choose to make a donation to the Broadway High School Athletic Department in memory of Coach Ritchie |
