Tommy Joe Ritter passed from this life on February 8, 2022, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 73. Tommy was born April 14, 1948 in Dallas, Texas, to Joe Valintine and Pearl Lee (Johnson) Ritter. He was the firstborn of four children to the young Ritter family.

Tommy was preceded in death by his Dad, Joe Ritter, his Mom, Pearl Ritter, and his brother, Brian Ritter.

Tommy is survived by his brother, Jimmy Ritter and wife Sherry of Alba, Texas; sister Joyce Little and husband Brent of Rowlett, Texas; nieces and nephews as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends, including his dear friend, Linda Rolen Stephens, whom he deeply loved.

Growing up, Tommy attended elementary school in Wylie, Texas and went to middle school and first year of high school at Brown High School in Dallas, Texas, finishing high school at Garland High School, class of 1967, in Garland, Texas. After high school, he followed in his Dad’s footsteps working in the trucking business with his Dad’s business, Ritter Sand and Gravel. Later he was drafted by the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam, where he drove a supplies truck. He was Honorably Discharged in 1974. When he returned to Garland, he drove for Ritter Sand and Gravel, Oak Farms and Wylie Municipal Water District. After retirement, he worked for McKinney Independent School District as a crossing guard and a school bus monitor.

Tommy loved his family. Even though he did not have children of his own, he treated his nieces and nephews as his own, always joking around and having fun with them. He always enjoyed going to ballgames to watch nieces, nephews and cousins play ball. He enjoyed playing and coaching co-ed softball. Tommy never missed the annual Johnson Family Reunion where he was always eager to lead the raffle drawing and enjoyed being the Bingo caller. He will most definitely be missed there.

Tommy enjoyed playing dominoes and card games with his many friends at the McKinney Senior Center. Tommy attended church regularly at the McKinney Salvation Army Corps and believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior and had been baptized. He was very reliable and always willing to help others at any time. If ever asked to help do anything, he more than likely would arrive way early. He enjoyed serving his neighbors in need. He was always looking out for others. He regularly volunteered both with the Salvation Army and Emmanuel Labor in McKinney. He enjoyed his friendships with people of the community.

Tommy never met a stranger and got along with everyone. Tommy’s passing has left a big hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed by family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life on 3/5/2022 at 2:00 pm at the Salvation Army Corps in McKinney, Texas.

Interment will be 3/25/2022 at 11:00 am at the DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.