Bill Ritter lived up to family legacy, friends say

HUNTINGTON -- The Huntington community was dealt a major blow Wednesday when local businessman and philanthropist William R. "Bill" Ritter Jr., died at Cabell Huntington Hospital at 71.

Ritter's extensive professional career in Huntington started at the manager of The Hotel Frederick from 1960 to 1973. Other business ventures included C.L. Ritter Lumber Company, Big Sandy Coal Company, Eagle Coal Company and the Warfork Land Company. Though Ritter had established business connections from his father and grandfather, devoted friend Tom Craig said he didn't rest on his laurels.

"Bill was the beneficiary to a great financial legacy but he didn't sit on it," Craig said. "He really worked to find new ways to improve the quality of life for people in Huntington -- not just his employees and his circle of friends."

While he made a name for himself in the business community, Ritter's friends remember his utter dedication to the betterment of Huntington.

"He was very privately philanthropic," said longtime Ritter family employee Sandy Deppner Wright. "He loved Huntington, loved the community and never wanted recognition for it."

Ritter Park, located along Washington Boulevard in Huntington, was the shining example of what Bill Ritter and the Ritter family gave to Huntington, Wright said. The park was developed in 1925 after a significant portion of the 78-acre park was donated by his grandfather C. Lloyd Ritter Sr.

Wright said Ritter made it his duty keep the park open and make it a place for everyone in Huntington to enjoy. Recently, she said, Ritter purchased new bronze signs for the park after the previous ones were vandalized. While many would jump at the opportunity to seek recognition, friends said it was just typical of the great things Ritter has done for the community.

"He worked behind the scenes to improve Huntington in many different ways," said 40-year friend and business associate Richard J. Bolen. "He was an individual that was universally well respected in the business community and the Huntington community."

He added, "I never knew anyone who has said a bad word about him."

While helping the community was his passion, friends said his love was for his family.

"His family was paramount to him. All that mattered was his family and his children," Wright said.

Ritter is survived by his wife, Alice Sovine Ritter; daughter, Kristin Ritter McNeely of Huntington; and son William R. "Trace" Ritter III of Los Angeles.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 7, at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary located 328 6th Ave. by Dr. F. Emerson Wood and Thomas L. Craig. Entombment will follow in the Ritter Mausoleum in Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington.

Friends may call from noon until service time Monday at the funeral home.