Richard Lee Ritchey was born in Orange, Texas on September 8, 1949 to Louise Bond Ritchey and Elton L. (Jiggs) Ritchey. He grew up in Port Neches and graduated from Port Neches Groves
High School.

Rich (as he was known to friends and family) graduated from Abilene Christian College with a degree in Secondary Education. He later obtained his Masters degree in Secondary Education from the University of Texas.

Most of his working career was spent at Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Texas doing what he loved— teaching and coaching young people. He spent many years at Cleveland teaching Social Studies and coaching football and baseball. Rich retired in June, 2022.

On June 25, 1994 he married Melissa Eve Caldwell. They were married almost 30 years and made their home in Kingwood, Texas. In June of 2023, Rich suffered a severe and debilitating stroke. After leaving the hospital, he was moved to long term care and was never able to return to his home. Recently his health began declining and he passed away on February 20, 2024. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Louise & Jiggs Ritchey and his brother Johnny Elton Ritchey and sister-in-law Cynthia Hayes Ritchey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa; sister, Mary Lou Ritchey Martin and husband Kim of Baytown; 4 nieces, 6 nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews.