Obituary of Jack Ritter, Jr.

Jack Bernard Ritter, Jr. of Fountain Inn passed away peacefully and surrounded by those who loved him most on February 18th, 2025, at the age of 71. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Ritter, Sr.; cousin, Cindy Simmons; grandson, Kody Decker (Jude); and his beloved 10-year-old German Shepherd, Max. 

Left to cherish his memory is his adored sweetheart, Betty Lee; two daughters, Melissa Will (Billy) and Kimberly Barefoot (Shane); five grandchildren, Scott Will, Kyle Decker, Dalton Barefoot (Bridget), Andrew Will, and Cooper Barefoot; and a great-grandson, Myles Decker.

Jack was a veteran of the United States Army and National Guard Reserves. Following his time in the National Guard Reserves, he served for 20 years with various local police departments. 

Jack loved being in the great outdoors; you could always find him outside either tending to his garden, in the field on his tractor, with his horse Hampton, fishing at the pond, hunting for deer, riding his motorcycle, or working on his prized Chevelle. Most recently though,  you would find Jack and his best buddy, Cooper, plowing fields, tinkering around town, or hanging on the back deck.

Jack’s contributions to his family, his service in the Army and National Guard Reserves, and his dedicated years in law enforcement reflect a life lived with honor, love and commitment. While Jack will be deeply missed, his kindness, humor, and loyalty will clearly be remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Emphysema Foundation of America where they are “dedicated to fighting for every breath of those suffering with emphysema and COPD.”

A Celebration of Jack’s life officiated by David McAbee, taking place at Fletcher Funeral Service, in Fountain Inn, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 3pm with the family receiving friends immediately thereafter.