Williamson, WV George Delano Ritchie, 73, died at his home, December 19, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Ritchie was born November 15, 1938 in Chattaroy, WV to Elizabeth and Alex Ritchie. George graduated from Chattaroy High School in 1956. A talented student and athlete, he attended Wake Forest College, where he played ACC basketball as a Demon Deacon and earned a Bachelor of Science in 1960. Later he earned a Master in Education from Eastern Carolina University. George went on to dedicate 30 years to educating and coaching young people in the Mingo County school system. During this time, he taught history and physical education, coached the Williamson High School basketball team from 1961-1977, and served for 11 years as principal of Williamson Junior High. George was known for his dedication to his job and his students. Mentoring students and fostering a supportive, caring community were his life's work. This dedication to community was also reflected in his role as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Williamson and his memberships in the O'Brien Lodge 101 AFAM, the Scottish Rite of Charleston, the Shrine Club Beni Kedem of Charleston, and the Tug Valley Shrine Club of Williamson. George is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Alex Ritchie. He is survived, and will be greatly missed, by: his children, Glenn (Keith) Wilcox and Laurie Wood; his grandchildren, Walker George Wood, Elizabeth Allston Wilcox, and Alec Claymon Wilcox; his siblings, Fay Farley, June (Bill) Whitt, Timmie Maynard, Alvin(Nancy) Ritchie, Cleo(Joe) Bradford, and Willa Booten; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2011, at 11:00 in First Presbyterian Church of Williamson, WV. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mayerfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Williamson, 29 West 6th Avenue, Williamson, WV 25661.