Lorenzo "Junior" N. Ritchey, Jr.

Lorenzo “Junior” N. Ritchey, Jr., 88, of Ritchey Road, Everett; passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Colonial Courtyard at Bedford.  He was born on August 30, 1932; a son of the late Lorenzo “Cap” and Nellie M. (Stayer) Ritchey.  On May 15, 1952 in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky he was united in marriage to Vivian M. (Imes) Ritchey.  She preceded him in death on July 31, 2015.  

He is survived by a son Todd L. Ritchey married to Lisa (Ferguson) Everett; two grandchildren; Drew L. Ritchey and Taylor J. Ritchey; sisters Florence Mock and Alene Prye; numerous nieces and nephews and his special companion his dog “Tootsie”.     

He was preceded in death by siblings Clemma Redinger, Marshal K. “Bud” Ritchey, Edith Clark, Louise Clark, Doris Foor, S. JoAnn King and infant siblings William and Ruth Ritchey.  

Junior served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He served as a West Providence Township Supervisor for over twenty years.  

June attended Snake Spring Valley Church of the Brethren and was a member of the Everett American Legion Post No. 08.

Junior was part of the first generation of Bedford County race car drivers that competed at the South Penn Speedway in Everett. He won the very first race there in October 1955 and quickly became one of the top competitors and champion driver. As the cars evolved in the early 60’s, which became lighter and faster, Junior and his racing partners Ray Robinson and Roy Morral started to travel to regional speedways winning at Williams Grove, Port Royal, Hagerstown, Selinsgrove and Jennerstown in the always immaculate light blue and white 880 super modifieds and sprint cars. As the early 70’s dawned, Junior retired from driving, but came back in 1978 with Roy Morral to drive a new Late Model 880 Camaro, winning their very first time out at Bedford. He spent the last 30 years still heavily involved in semi-late, late model and sprint car racing with son, Todd and grandson Drew. Junior was inducted to both the Port Royal Speedway and Bedford Fairgrounds Speedway Hall of Fames.  

Junior enjoyed following his son and grandson through the sport of racing, and was so proud of his granddaughter and her accomplishments with her horses.  June loved to attend the grandchildren’s sporting events and helping them in any way he could.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the Everett American Legion Home, 34 East 4th Avenue, Everett, PA at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Randy Brant officiating.  Friends and family will be received from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.  Military honors will be conducted by the Everett Area Honor Guard.

Burial will be held privately at Mt. Union Cemetery, Mench.  

The family would like to send a special thanks to Grane Hospice and the staff at Colonial Courtyard.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com  

If friends so desire memorial contributions may be made in memory of Junior to the Museum of Speed at Bedford Fairgrounds, 261 Shangri Lane, Bedford, PA 15522. 

Arrangements made by Akers Funeral Home Inc., 299 Raystown Road Everett, PA 15537.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lorenzo "Junior" N. Ritchey, Jr., please visit our floral store.