Gregory Clifton Ritchie

Gregory’ s Journey Gregory Clifton Ritchie, lovingly known as “Fats” and “Milkman,” was born on August 27, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Eugene and Mattie Ritchie. On Friday, April 24, 2026, God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, sent His angels to 29401 Dutchman Lane in Easton, Maryland, to lead Greg to eternal rest at the age of 72. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Marcia Ritchie, and his daughter, Kelley Gibson. Greg attended Beaver Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Overbrook High School with the Class of 1971. During his time there, Overbrook High School had one of the best basketball teams in the county, winning the championship in 1971 under Coach Paul Ward. Overbrook was also the alma mater of legendary basketball player Wilt Chamberlain. Following in the proud tradition of his parents, Greg pursued higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His mother, Mattie, attended Cheney University, and his father, Eugene, attended Morgan State University. Greg attended Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and later attended Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland. In 2003, he participated in the Christmas Basketball Invitational under Tony Holmes. Greg proudly served in the United States Navy from March 31, 1978, until his honorable discharge on September 30, 1983. He faithfully served as a Mass Management Specialist Third Class. Greg dedicated 28 years of service to Cobbs Creek Recreation Center in Philadelphia, where he worked as a Recreation Leader, mentoring and inspiring countless young boys and girls in the community. Among the many youth whose lives he touched was basketball legend Kobe Bryant. On September 11, 1978, Greg was united in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Marcia Gibson Ritchie. Together they shared nearly 48 years of marriage and over 53 years of love, friendship, and devotion. From this union came their beautiful daughter, Jawann Kelley Gibson. Greg was a faithful member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he was baptized. He enjoyed playing basketball with a team called the Ripples and baseball with the Country Pride baseball team under the leadership of Eric Dashiell. Greg enjoyed watching classic television shows and movies, including The A-Team, Sanford and Son, Hunter, Kojak, westerns, and films featuring James Brown. He also loved listening to jazz music, especially songs by Grover Washington Jr., as well as James Brown’s energetic hit “Get Up.” Greg leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving and devoted wife, Marcia Ritchie; his children, Jawann Kelley Gibson, Amir Ritchie, and Alaina Ritchie and his bonus son, Andre Dale Gibson, Sr. He also leaves his stepmother, Lillian Ritchie; two granddaughters, Na’Emah, to whom Greg was especially devoted, and Jahmira; one grandson, Amari; three bonus grandsons, Andre D. Gibson, Jr. (Troi), Jawann Gibson, and Aji Gibson; one bonus great-grandson, Ashton and two bonus great-granddaughters, Amani and Ara Gibson. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Laverne Gibson; brothers-in-law, Robert (Janet) Gibson, James Gibson, Phillip (Dorsee) Gibson, and bonus brother-in-law, Harold Jenkins (Theresa); one niece, Chrissy Ritchie (Shag); three goddaughters, Raysura Brunson, Walida White, and Elsie Flamer; a special goddaughter, Keaira Handy; and a host of extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Gregory Clifton Ritchie

August 27, 1953 - April 24, 2026