Douglas M. Ritz

Douglas MacArthur Ritz, age 81, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the McLeod Hospice House surrounded by his family.  A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, January 10th at Grove Hill Cemetery at 11:00 AM, directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Doug, as he was better known, was born in Charleston, West Virginia on June 26, 1942, and was the son of the late Elmer Ritz and Sylvia Hunter Ritz. Doug enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman from an early age and continued through much of his adult life. Doug was a former resident of Bridgeton, New Jersey where he worked for Owens Illinois as a maintenance mechanic for 20 years. He was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and enjoyed watching college football especially his favorite teams; the West Virginia Mountaineers and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

Doug loved his family and is survived by his daughter, Nedra Jeffords (Todd) and the sunshine of his life his granddaughter, BreeAnna Jeffords all of Darlington, SC. He is also survived by his sister Madeline Winfree of Charleston, WV, daughter-in-law Julie Austin Ritz of Darlington, SC, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including those very special to him Ellis and Phillip Ritz. Doug was also affectionately called "Pop" by the many youths he mentored over his lifetime and recently known as "Pop-Pop" to many others.

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his wife of 50+ years Barbara Ellis Ritz, his son, Kerry Ritz, brothers Elton and Franklin Ritz, sister Nathlee Litzinger, nephew Kevin Winfree, and a special brother-in-law, Robert Ellis.

The family would like to thank McLeod Palliative Care and Hospice for the care that was shown during his illness. Also, additional gratitude to Sheila Griffin and Maureen Byrd who provided home health care to him in the past year and was loved dearly by him. In lieu of flowers, donations to McLeod Hospice or St. Jude's Children Hospital in his memory would be appreciated.