John Paul Ritchie, age 82, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Lakeland Hospice House in Florida. He was born December 22, 1940 in Jackson, KY and was the son of the late Sewell and Mollie Back Ritchie. He was preceded in death by his wife: Terri Ritchie. His sons: Shannon Ritchie and David Sewell Ritchie. His daughter: Hope Ritchie. His brothers: Robert Ford Ritchie, Clarence Dale Ritchie, Sewell Ritchie, Jr. and Ronnie James Ritchie. His sisters: Annie Sue Ritchie and Barbara Jean Ritchie. He is survived by his wife: Grace Waddell-Ritchie of Lakeland, FL. His sons: John Paul (Debbie) Ritchie of Flemingsburg, KY; Brent Joey Ritchie and Thomas (Angie) Ritchie both of Winchester, KY. His daughters: Terrie Lynn (Richard) Perez of Winchester, KY and Heather (Teeka) Prashad of Naples, FL. His brothers: Jimmy (Peggy) Ritchie of Campton, KY and Tommy Ritchie of Rogers, KY. His sisters: Judy Patton and Linda Stidham, both of Rogers, KY. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren adn 10 great grandchildren as well as a host of other family and friends. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE willl be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel. Deaton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.