Ritchie Teague

On June 6, 1951, Ritchie Teague was born to the late Earl Teague and Dessie James (Knight)  in Hamilton, Ohio. While his father was Earl, J.C. raised him. Ritchie was the fourth of nine siblings. He attended Hamilton City Schools. Shortly before his senior year, he enlisted in the United States Navy at 17 years of age. He was later recognized with the National Defense Service Medal for his honorable service. Upon his return, he was allowed to walk with the graduating class at Garfield High School.

In 1980, Ritchie started his family and became a husband and father of four. In 1983, he moved his family to Dayton, Ohio, where he resided for the rest of his life. There, Ritchie became an EKG Technician at Kettering Medical Center. After many years at Kettering, the hospital downsized, which led him to pursue a path of academia and fulfill his dream. 

Three weeks before his 50th birthday, Ritchie began his educational journey emphasizing social work because he was inspired to help others.  In 2003, he obtained his Associate of Applied Science degree in Mental Health Technology from Sinclair Community College. Ritchie went on to serve as a case manager at St. Vincent DePaul Center, counseling homeless veterans. While there, his thirst for knowledge continued to grow. 

In 2006, Ritchie earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Capital University. But the journey did not end there. In 2009, he obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) from The Ohio State University. Ritchie later went on to work at  Dayton Veteran’s Medical Center, where he continued to serve as a social worker and support veterans with Mental Health & Substance Abuse Disorder. In early 2018, Ritchie embarked upon retirement, where he enjoyed a leisurely lifestyle and reaped the benefits of his years of service.

Ritchie possessed an unwavering passion for his children, the arts, culture, civil rights, and social services. Ritchie was awarded numerous awards for his leadership, knowledge, and support for veterans. While Ritchie may have physically left us, we will never forget his impact and words.

At the age of 70 and after a courageous battle with cancer, Ritchie Teague, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dessie Knight, his father, Earl Teague, and his brothers, Jimmy & Reginald Teague.

Those to cherish his memory...

His four children and their families survived Ritchie. Precious Teague (Jermaine) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Shona Person (Tyresse Person) of Pensacola, Florida, Chaconnie Thomas (Kyle Thomas) of Pensacola, Florida, and Ritchie Teague Jr ( Konica Avery- Teague) of Atlanta, Georgia. His ten grandchildren (Tre'Von, D'Ivyon, Jhada, Latrell, A'Nya, Gary, Teagan, J'Vion, Ralph, and Morgan) and one Great grandchild ( Ziva).  His siblings are Patrick, Ronnie, Dywayne, Martha, Charlene, and Lynette. All of his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, his special friend Etta Caver, and the many others that have crossed his path.

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