88R30697 JRI-D
By: King S.R. No. 604
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, With the passing of Richard Preston Ritchie on
May 11, 2023, at the age of 68, the residents of Mineral Wells bid
farewell to an accomplished attorney, a renowned athlete, and a
respected community leader; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 2, 1955, in Mineral Wells, Richard
Ritchie was the son of John and Ann Ritchie; he gained national
acclaim on the gridiron during his years at Texas A&I University,
compiling a remarkable 39-0 record as the starting quarterback and
leading the Javelinas to undefeated seasons in 1974, 1975, and 1976
that yielded three Lone Star Conference crowns and three NAIA
Division I championships; named Most Valuable Player of the 1974
NAIA title game, he also garnered the 1975-1976 NAIA and LSC Player
of the Year honors; he graduated in 1977 and later created the
Richard Ritchie Endowment in support of the school's athletic
programs; he was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame, the LSC
Hall of Honor, and the College Football Hall of Fame, and he earned
the Distinguished Alumni Award for his continuing involvement with
the university; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie went on to serve as an assistant
football coach at The University of Texas at Austin, the University
of North Texas, and Texas Tech University; after receiving his
juris doctor degree from St. Mary's University in 1991, he embarked
on his career as an attorney, following the tradition set by four
previous generations in his family; he joined the Ritchie Law Firm
in Mineral Wells to practice with his father, John, and played a
prominent role in civic affairs, serving as an attorney for the Palo
Pinto Water District and as a director of the First State Bank of
Mineral Wells and the Brazos Foundation; moreover, he was president
of the Noon Lions Club and captain of the Palo Pinto County
Sheriff's Posse, and he also distinguished himself as a rancher,
another occupation long pursued by the members of his family; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ritchie enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Penny, his daughters, Leslie Kay and Lacie,
and his five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ritchie drew on his leadership and expertise
to benefit his fellow citizens, and his record of service will be a
lasting source of inspiration to all who were privileged to know
him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the life of Richard Preston Ritchie and extend
sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Penny
Ritchie; to his daughters, Leslie Kay Ritchie Robnett and her
husband, Kevin, and Lacie Ritchie Austin and her husband, Matthew;
to his grandchildren, Elisha, Cyrus, Arleigh, Sky, and Sydney; and
to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Richard Ritchie.