Clifton Ritchey

Clifton A. (Clif) Ritchey, 92, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on December 22, 2015, in Tyler, Texas. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am to 10:00 am prior to funeral services beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Terry Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Mr. Ritchey was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, to John and Beulah Mae Ritchey on May 3, 1923. He was the next to youngest child in a family of six. They grew up in Ryan and graduated from Union Valley High School. He married Ruby Gene Bond on November 6, 1942. She preceded him in death in 1984. He worked as a store hand, store manager, and finally Director of Stores for Dunigan Tool and Supply Company in Abilene for almost 34 years. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Army at a base outside London, England and on a base outside Vienna, Austria. He was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ for many years. Before moving to "the hill" he was a member of Highland Church of Christ and served as a deacon and an elder at that congregation. Mr. Ritchey married Bobby Osborn Ritchey June 18, 1988. She preceded him in death December 24, 2007. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Lloyd Ritchey, Velma Worrell, Doyle Ritchey, who was killed in WWII, and Elton (Jiggs) Ritchey. He is survived by daughter Sandra and son-in-law Bruce Wilson of Corpus Christi, Texas, and daughter Gloria and son-in-law James Rose of Tyler, Texas, stepdaughter Judy Nichols of Austin, Texas, and stepson Tom Osborn of San Antonio, Texas, his sister, Pat Newell of Austin, Texas, grandchildren Marcy Rose, Trevor Rose, Bliss Altenhoff and Lauren Wilson. Step-grandchildren are Matt Nichols, Aaron Nichols, Jordan Nichols, Sarah Nichols, Abigail Lee, Deborah Winkler, David Nichols and Xander Osborn. His great grandchildren are Henry and Madeline Rose. Memorials may be given to Christian Homes of Abilene, High Plains Children's Home in Amarillo, TX, or Christian Service Center, Abilene.