Mr. William Vance Ritch, better known as "Van" age 71, of West Jefferson passed away Saturday morning, February 6, 2021 at his home. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 1:00pm at Salisbury VA National Cemetery with full military rites. Mr. Ritch was born in Salisbury, NC on September 14, 1949 to the late William Charles and Mildred Cowan Ritch. He retired from the United States Army, after 22 years of service. He served as career special forces in the Green Berets. He was also preceded in death by a son, David Joseph Ritch. Mr. Ritch is survived by: his wife, Cindy Meiners; a son, William Nathaniel Ritch, of Michigan; a daughter, Lindsey Taylor and husband, Nathan, of Raeford, NC; three step sons, Rick Meiners of Bahamas, Joe Meiners of Michigan and Scott Meiners of Tampa, FL; ten grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.