FRANKLIN – Thomas Eugene Ritter, 60, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Sept. 18, 2021.
Tom was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Eugene and Margaret Ritter (now both passed). Tom received his high school education at Aquinas High School in La Crosse. Tom then went on to the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee for both his undergraduate and master’s education in architecture where he met the love of his life, Nancy. The pair were married at Plymouth Congregational Church in Miami in 1987. Tom and Nancy moved to Franklin, North Carolina, in 2001, after adopting their daughters Ashley and Emily, where Tom began the Ritter Architecture business which has proudly served Macon County (and many other counties and states) since. In 2004, they adopted the newest member of their family, Christian. Tom loved his community. He proudly served and donated his time, money, and sweat to many causes within the Macon County community and was passionate about seeing his beloved mountain community prosper. His contributions, wit, and charisma will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Nancy; their three children Ashley (Travis), Emily, and Christian; his older brother Steve (Sue), older sister Joanne, and younger brother Patrick (Jennifer). He leaves behind wonderful family, friends, and an inspiring dedication to community.
The family will be hosting a graveside service at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to KIDS Place of Macon County, P.O. Box 693 Franklin, NC 28744; (828) 524-3199.
Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com
Macon Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.