Terry "Poppie" Ritchey

Terry "Poppie" Ritchey

Terry "Poppie" Ritchey, born October 28, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri, passed away on September 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Terry loved the Lord with all his heart and shared his faith with anyone who would listen, and often with those who would not. His unwavering belief in God guided his life and inspired those around him.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Terry carried a spirit of service throughout his life. He dedicated countless hours to his community as a volunteer football coach, swim coach, and tennis coach. He also tutored young football athletes in mathematics, encouraging them to succeed both on and off the field. His kindness, patience, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on many young lives.

Known affectionately as "Poppie," Terry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Family was the center of his world, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. Family card night was full of laughter and bad Dad jokes. He recently celebrated his 85th birthday at his favorite restaurant, Don Juan's in Grand Prairie, a place that held special meaning to him. Don Juan's was the first Mexican restaurant he and his family visited after moving to Grand Prairie in 1966 from Joplin, Missouri and it remained one of his favorite places throughout his life.

Terry also had a special love for cats. While he adored all feline companions, his beloved cat Rico held a particularly special place in his heart.

Terry was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Ritchey; his father, Howard Ritchey; his mother, Mary Duggar; his son-in-law, Jimmy Patterson; his granddaughter, Cheyenne Russell; his grandsons, Jesse and Kyle Winkelmann; his first wife, Gwendolyn Sue Ritchey; his son, David Lee Ritchey; his sister, Penny Bennett, and her husband, Frank Bennett; his second wife, Laurie Ritchey; his brother-in-law, Bill Vance; his nephew, Steve Harwell; his niece, Marcayla Ackerson; and many other beloved family members and dear friends.

He is survived by his loving children: Teresa Patterson; Penny Russell and husband Charlie; Margie Winkelmann and husband Scott; and Rebecca "Becky" Ritchey.

He is also survived by his beloved stepchildren: Julie Register; David Vance and wife Alisha; Laura Vance Laramore; and Dorothy Ritter and husband Nick.

Terry's legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Jordan Ritchey and wife Jennifer; Courtney Chamberlain and husband Cameron and their daughter Harleigh; Carley Russell; Chayla Russell and her daughter Raiyah,; Michael Register; Lauren Register; Felicia Smith; Dayla Vance; Dalton Vance; Jimmy Laramore and wife Kelsey; William Laramore; Madeline Laramore; Brittany Thomas and husband Josh; Dorian Nothnagel and husband Myles; and Billy Bruce, along with a multitude of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members, and treasured friends.

Though Terry will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched through his faith, service, generosity, and love. His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

"Although he is gone from our sight, his love, laughter, wisdom, and faith will remain in our hearts forever."