William Ritchey, 85, of Parker, Licking Township, passed away Friday at his home after an extended illness.

Born in Petrolia on Feb. 2, 1927, he was the son of the late Roy W. and Myrtle B. Rankin Ritchey.

He was married to Twila Jean Stephens Ritchey on Nov. 30, 1951; she survives him.

Bill worked at Witco Chemical for a number of years before owning and operating his own trucking company for over 50 years.

He was in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Portsmouth during World War II.

He was a former member of the Parker Presbyterian Church. He was a member and past worshipful master of the Parker City–Allegheny Valley Lodge 521 F&AM.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Patee (Greg) Neff of Pensacola, Fla.; two granddaughters, DeAnna (Allen) Scheerbaum of Chicora and CoDeé Jean (Brandon) Wesley of Pensacola, Fla.; three great-grandchildren, Pfc. Dustin Allen Scheerbaum of Chicora, Lacee Jean Scheerbaum of Chicora and Colton Brandon Wesley of Pensacola, Fla.; and one brother, Ed Ritchey of Petrolia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandsons, Traves and Preston Neff.

RITCHEY — Visitation for William Ritchey, who passed away Friday, May 18, 2012, will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Faith Fellowship Alliance Church, 200 Fared Drive, Butler. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11 a.m. with Pastor Richard Jenks officiating.Interment will be at Bear Creek Cemetery in Petrolia with veteran honors by Parker VFW and the American Legion.Arrangements are entrusted to H. Jack Buzard Funeral Homes, Parker.To view or send condolences or to send sympathy cards, visit buzardfuneralhomes.com