Leland Griggs Ritter, Sr., age 82, resident of Columbia, TN, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022 at his residence.
Leland was born July 29, 1940 in Clyde, OH. He was the son of the late John James Ritter and Geraldine Isabelle Mears Ritter.
He married the love of his life, Linda Lou Wilson Ritter in 1959 whom preceded him in death in August of 2020.
In 1984, Lee co-founded Cape Coral Plumbing along with his son Leland “Butch” Ritter, Jr., in Cape Coral, Florida. They were the perfect duo to create a very successful plumbing company.
Lee retired in 2004 to pursue his love of horses. Lee was an avid horseman winning many championships, especially with his NWHA grand champion “Allen All Around.”
Lee’s other passions included the Lee County Sheriffs Mounted Patrol Unit, President of the Fort Myers Beach Tarpon Hunters Club. Lee also loved following NASCAR Racing circuit including attending many races with friends and family. Lee was a private pilot. He was known by many as “cowboy” as you wouldn’t catch him without his cowboy hat on.
His ultimate passion was his family. He especially loved his seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Lee is survived by his three children, Leland G “Butch” (Vicki) Ritter, Jr., Laura J (Richard) Valdez, and Leanne (Scott) Dunsworth; sister, Sharon (Joe) Smith; grandchildren, Tiffany (Noah Medica) Ritter, Steffany (Brennen) Penfield, Nathan (Amanda) Ritter, Spencer (Jessica) Valdez, Jordan (Catie) Valdez, Zackery (Macy) Dunsworth, Taylor (Tyler) Thornton; great-grandchildren, Kylee Kramer, Karissa Kramer, Brycen, Brody, Brooks and Bryer Penfield, Rilynn and Leland Ritter, Reagan, Ava, Luna, Graham and Lyndy Valdez, Juliette and Ryder Dunsworth, Tate and Taylin Thornton.
The family would like to extend a special thank you and gratitude to Caris Hospice and Palliative Care of Columbia, for your exceptional care of our father. He appreciated each and every one of you!
In Lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to “Beau Bear Foundation” https://beaubearfoundation.com/
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