Charles (Chuck) Edward Ritter, 77, of Vinton, VA, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2014 after battling pancreatic cancer.  Charles was born in Roanoke County on March 24, 1936.  He was the son of the late Isaac (Ike)P. Ritter, Nora Ritter Delong and stepfather, Robert (Bob) E. Delong.   He was also preceded in death by his brother, Calvin Ritter.
Charles is survived by his wife and loving partner of 56 years, Doris June Ritter; his son, Tony A. Ritter and wife, Debbie; daughter, Deborah A. Kelly and fiancé, Dean Fisher; four grandchildren, Kimberly Jones and husband, Richard of New Bern, NC, Kristina Kelly, Brittany Ritter and Frank Kelly IV (Frankie); brothers, Curtis Ritter and wife, Jean of Kenova, WV and Robert P. Ritter and wife, Karen of Ona, WV; sister-in-law, Joyce Ritter Gearhart; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Before retirement in 1997, Charles had worked for 33 years at GE in Salem, VA. He has been an active member of the Vinton Moose Lodge #1121 for over 25 years.  He was also a member of American Veterans (AMVETS) Post #40 in Roanoke.  Charles served 10 years in the US Navy.  He was discharged with honors as 1st Class Petty Officer.  His tour of duty took him around the world twice in the USS Hornet and the USS Wasp.  Charles was in the service during the end of the Korean War and the beginning of the Vietnam War.  He was also on the Destroyer USS Damato during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  
Charles (PaPa) was extremely proud and devoted to his grandchildren.  He found great joy in supporting them in all of their interests.  He had many loving memories with his grandchildren and never stopped worrying about them.  Charles was lovingly devoted to his wife, June, from the moment he saw her.   Charles will be dearly missed by his family and longtime friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lewis Gale Cancer Center, Duke Cancer Center and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Palliative Care team and Carilion nurses.  
A celebration of Charles’ life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel with Pastor Joe Peters officiating.  Interment with full military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 7, 2014 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhomevinton.com.

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