Carl Ritchie Obituary

I miss you Carl and regret there was too much time divide between us. Frances, your loss is immense, but your faith is equal to the task. Carl spent such lovely times with my sons, for which I'll eternally be grateful. Love you old friend.

Dear Frances, I'm sorry to hear of Carl"s passing. I remember both of you from the building of our church by the Mission Builders and I have thought of you and Carl soooo many times- wondering where and how you are. I remember both of you with kind thoughts and love for the time you spent with us as our congregation struggled to build our first unit.
May God comfort you in the coming days, weeks, and months. I keep you in my heart and in my prayers.
Verla Fleming, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Fuquay Varina, NC.

Dear Frances and others dear to Pr.Carl: I just learned of Pr. Ritchie's death, and grieve with you. It was our honor to follow you all at Lutheran Church of Our Father and inherit the wonderful foundation you laid there. May the Pace and Comfort of our Lord Jesus surround you. In Christ's love, David & Diana

I was but an early teen when my family became charter members of the Lutheran Church of Our Father in Greensboro, NC--a church whose mission developer and first pastor was a young new red-headed pastor named Carl Ritchie. At that important adolescent period of my life, Carl was an extremely important influence in my personal Christian development. We had an active youth group, and I became involved with Luther League at the Synod and National Level, culminating with spending the summer between high school and college working with the youth programs of 12 churches in Iowa as part of the national Caravan program--all thanks to the influence of Carl Ritchie. Later, while I was in graduate school at FSU, my wife and I visited the Ritchies at his parish in the Tampa/St. Pete area. I remember that at that time, Carl was working on changing his weight and lifestyle because he already had experienced heart problems in his mid-30's. Apparently our Lord had a lot more for him to do if He kept him with us for another 50 years! He was a great influence in my life, and I'm looking forward to our reunion in the next life. Thank you, and Godspeed, Carl Ritchie. Love and prayers to the family.

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have so many wonderful memories of Carl when he served First Lutheran in Lexington NC. He married us and baptized both of our sons. During his time there we came to call him friend. His impact on our lives cannot be fully described. Our love to Francis and all the family.

Dear Frances and family,

I was deeply saddened when I saw Pastor Ritchie's obituary in the paper. You and Pastor and Martha were family to us for a long, long time and I regret losing touch with you. I have so many wonderful memories of the times you came to our house. My children adored both Pastor and you. Of course, Pastor and I spent hours and hours together at the church. We had a lot of fun walking thru A Mighty Fortress as it was being built, envisioning what it would be like when it was finished; going over the design and symbolism of the arched stained glass window behind the altar. I remember how excited Pastor was when he got that huge shell for the baptismal font. It was always a lovely day listening to him play the guitar in his office when he had moments alone, (while I was supposed to be working in my office, but listening to the music instead!) My heart goes out to all of you and I pray that God will walk each of you through your sorrow with His promises of eternal life, comfort and peace.

Frances and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Pastor Carl's passing. Finding it hard to list all his many special gifts, but especially enjoyed his sense of humor and his compassion for all people in spreading Gods love.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this time.
Tom and Ann Williams

Pastor Ritchie married me & my wife in 1973 at First Lutheran Lexington, NC. We have thought about him often over the years. Our prayers are with his family. I'm sure or Lord is telling him: Well done, thou good and faithful servant:

We were saddened to learn of Carl's passing and send our love and condolences to the family. Carl was a good friend, one of the special people in our lives. We have such fond memories of the times we shared with your family. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom and Betty

Pastor always made my day better when I was with him. What a joy to be able to say he was my dear friend! Rest In Peace until we meet again!