Obituary for Ray Ritter
Skipper Ray Ritter, 78, of Mangum, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on April 10, 2026.
Skipper was born on July 26, 1947, in Modesto, California, to Myrtle B. Combs and John Robert Ritter. He was one of seven children.
Skipper proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968. During his service, he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Damage Controlman Third Class. In this role, he was responsible for shipboard safety and emergency response, helping protect both the vessel and his fellow sailors. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation.
Skipper began his working life at the Tasty Freeze, where he swept floors, and later worked at a local feed store before pursuing his true calling as a mechanic. In 1987, he fulfilled his dream by opening his own shop, where he dedicated the rest of his life to serving his community. Known throughout the town for his skill and generosity, Skipper helped countless people with their car troubles. He also gave back in meaningful ways, including donating a vehicle each year to support the town's annual Tiger Bash.
Skipper was well known for his reputation as a hardworking mechanic, but even more so for the kind of man he was. He was someone you could always count on, with a hand and a home open to anyone in need. Throughout his life, he raised numerous grandchildren as his own, helped with great-grandchildren, and opened his home to foster children. In his later years, he adopted six more children. He never turned anyone away who needed a meal or a place to stay.
He will be remembered for his kind heart, his giving spirit, and his unforgettable sense of humor. Skipper had a special gift for telling the perfect joke or a good one-liner, always finding a way to make people laugh. He loved teasing the little kids at family gatherings and brought joy to everyone around him.
Skipper is survived by his wife, Peggy Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; his children: David Ritter of Hobart, Oklahoma; Rusty Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Skippy Ritter Jr. of Mangum, Oklahoma; Valerie Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Joshua Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Alex Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Riley Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Avaleen Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; and McKenzie Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild and his first great-great-grandchild expected later this month, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Ritter; his parents, Myrtle B. Combs and John Robert Ritter; his sister, Effie Thompson; and his brothers, Billy Ritter, Melvis Ritter, Lane Ritter, Floyd Ritter, and John Ritter.
The Ritter family receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at First Methodist Church of Mangum.
Skipper will be laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin Oklahoma at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
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Skipper was born on July 26, 1947, in Modesto, California, to Myrtle B. Combs and John Robert Ritter. He was one of seven children.
Skipper proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968. During his service, he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Damage Controlman Third Class. In this role, he was responsible for shipboard safety and emergency response, helping protect both the vessel and his fellow sailors. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation.
Skipper began his working life at the Tasty Freeze, where he swept floors, and later worked at a local feed store before pursuing his true calling as a mechanic. In 1987, he fulfilled his dream by opening his own shop, where he dedicated the rest of his life to serving his community. Known throughout the town for his skill and generosity, Skipper helped countless people with their car troubles. He also gave back in meaningful ways, including donating a vehicle each year to support the town's annual Tiger Bash.
Skipper was well known for his reputation as a hardworking mechanic, but even more so for the kind of man he was. He was someone you could always count on, with a hand and a home open to anyone in need. Throughout his life, he raised numerous grandchildren as his own, helped with great-grandchildren, and opened his home to foster children. In his later years, he adopted six more children. He never turned anyone away who needed a meal or a place to stay.
He will be remembered for his kind heart, his giving spirit, and his unforgettable sense of humor. Skipper had a special gift for telling the perfect joke or a good one-liner, always finding a way to make people laugh. He loved teasing the little kids at family gatherings and brought joy to everyone around him.
Skipper is survived by his wife, Peggy Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; his children: David Ritter of Hobart, Oklahoma; Rusty Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Skippy Ritter Jr. of Mangum, Oklahoma; Valerie Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Joshua Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Alex Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Riley Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; Avaleen Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma; and McKenzie Ritter of Mangum, Oklahoma. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild and his first great-great-grandchild expected later this month, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Ritter; his parents, Myrtle B. Combs and John Robert Ritter; his sister, Effie Thompson; and his brothers, Billy Ritter, Melvis Ritter, Lane Ritter, Floyd Ritter, and John Ritter.
The Ritter family receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at First Methodist Church of Mangum.
Skipper will be laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin Oklahoma at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Ray Ritter, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Viewing
Wednesday
15
Apr
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Greer Funeral Home
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
Thursday
16
Apr
10:00 AM
First United Methodist
301 West Jefferson
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
Thursday
16
Apr
2:00 PM
Fort Sill National Cemetery
2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd.
Elgin, OK 73538
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