Wiley Fletcher Ritter, Jr.

Wiley Fletcher Ritter Jr., beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on September 6, 2026 at his home in Southern Pines. He was born on August 27, 1929, to the late Fletcher and Viola Ritter, the second of seven children.

Raised on a dairy farm, he learned a strong work ethic from an early age. He graduated from Elise High School and immediately joined the Army-Air Force at the age of 17, serving as a radar technician based in Alaska for three years.

He then purchased his great-grandfather’s 212-acre farm outside of Robbins, where he raised chickens and beef cattle. He married his wife, Oleen Seawell, in 1953. W.F. attended NC State University on the GI Bill and earned a degree in Agricultural Education. He began his teaching career at Westmoore High School, then went on to earn his Master’s in Science Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He taught physics and physical science at North Moore High School while continuing to farm, run a photography business, and raise three children.

He brought science to life for his students, and many name him as their favorite teacher. He loved the game of chess and shared that love with many. He was rarely seen without a camera in hand, and his photographs can be found in yearbooks, newspapers, and personal wedding albums.

He retired after 27 years of teaching, and he and Oleen traveled extensively throughout the United States, eventually visiting all 50 states.

W.F. will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the joy and laughter he brought wherever he went. He had a story for nearly every occasion. His intelligence was evident, but his true gift was making everyone he met feel important and special.

The most special people in his life were his grandchildren. He loved taking them camping and kayaking, reading books, and of course, challenging them to a game of chess or cards. Tractor rides and hikes to the creek were also favorites.

Those who knew him around his home at Coventry will especially remember him wheeling through the community, often whistling as he went. It captured so much of who he was: cheerful, and always leaving a little bit of happiness in his wake.

Above all, he was deeply loved by his family and friends. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

W.F. was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Oleen Seawell Ritter.  Parents Fletcher and Viola Ritter.  Sisters Faye Callicut, Carole Lambert, Lula Marley and brother, Walter Ritter.  He is survived by his Son, Michael Ritter (Jane) of Wilmington. Daughters, Sandra Bass (Terry) and Linda Bryan (Charles) both of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Grandchildren Evan Ritter (Amanda) of Richmond, VA, Sarah Futrell (Nate) of Wilmington, Kayla Bass, Aaron Bass (Brelynn) of Fuquay-Varina, Jenna Bass of Cary, Chloe Bryan (Phil) of Whidbey Island, WA, Luke Bryan (Olivia) of Dunn and Vivian Bryan of Washington, NC. Sister Dorothy Yates of Jamestown, and brother Marshall Ritter of Westmoore.  Eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at High Falls United Methodist Church.   Burial with Military Honors will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:30.

The following note was found in his belongings:

“Please include in my obituary –

He died with a smile on his face. His motto was, “IT’S NICE to be NICE”

Thank You to: family, relatives, former students and friends for all your Random Acts of Kindness or RAK’s.

I lived to be 97 because of a loving and caring wife and family, excellent hospitals, doctors and nurses.

Thank You -W. F. Ritter, Jr.

The above was written Sun Oct 23, 2022”

The family would like to thank the staff at The Coventry, The George Barnhart Agency and Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care they provided our father.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Gentiva Hospice 1198 Rockingham Road, Rockingham, NC 28379 or High Falls UMC, PO Box 12, High Falls, NC 27259.

Kennedy Funeral Home is serving the Ritter family.

Condolences on line at Pinesfunerals.com