William Troy Ritchie (80), a longtime resident of Ocean Springs, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the Biloxi VA Community Living Center.

He was born March 6, 1946, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and spent his formative years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966. During his final station at Keesler Air Force Base in 1984, Troy made the Mississippi Gulf Coast his home. Throughout his life, Troy demonstrated unwavering commitment to patriotically serving his nation, honorably serving 24 years in the US Air Force. His outstanding service encompassed four states across the US and international tours to Italy, Egypt and Korea before retiring as a distinguished E9 Chief Master Sergeant. Following his military retirement, he continued serving veterans for an additional decade at the Biloxi VA hospital and worked tirelessly on juvenile crime initiatives, drafting legislation for the training and education of nonviolent juvenile offenders.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Susan Ritchie, who faithfully cared for him at home for many years prior to his hospice admission. He is survived by his children Lisa May Stewart and Larry Ray Ritchie; grandchildren Trinity Mae Stewart, Gage Masen Ritchie, and Tanner Austin Ritchie; great grandchild Jack Cecil Wilkinson; sibling Thomas Ritchie (Margie), sister-in-law Lynn Ritchie; numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved mother Vinnie Mae Dake and her highly esteemed sister Annie Stanford; siblings Wallace Ritchie, Wesley Ritchie (Reigh), Patricia Ritchie Cooper (Jerry), Stanley Ritchie; numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Lemoyne Blvd from 11:00 am until 11:45 am. A graveside service will be after the visitation, at 12:30 pm at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors.  A reception will follow at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Lemoyne Blvd.  

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Biloxi VA Community Living Center for the exceptional care they provided Troy in his final days of life.

Your compassion, kindness and dedicated service brought great comfort to him and our family, we are deeply grateful.

Riemann Family Funeral Home in Ocean Springs is assisting his family.