WEST POINT, Ky. (WAVE) – A community has been left in tears after a member of the West Point Methodists Church congregation was lost to gun violence.
Louisville Metro police haven’t confirmed the details of Gordon Ritchie’s death, but social media posts and members of his church say the 78-year-old was shot dead in his home Sunday night.
Ritchie was best known in West Point, Hardin County for his smile and his constant presence at church.
Roszelle Moore grew up with Ritchie, and was left speechless.
know what to say,” she said before a vigil service Monday evening. “It just was such a shock because I just seen him yesterday.”
Moore says Ritchie had a focus on others and was always giving back.
“He was a very compassionate man,” Moore said, “If he found out if somebody had troubles or they were ill he would go visit them.”
And while this small community knew his smile, many in greater Louisville might remember his voice which was, at times, larger and louder, than life.
Ritchie volunteered at the Kentucky State Fair, greeting many to the venue as the 18-foot-tall farmer “Freddy Farm Bureau.”
Pastor Bob Helvey says those who knew him remember his legacy as a lifelong farmer, Vietnam Veteran, and constant in the congregation.
“Back during the ice storm, we had announced that we were not going to have church,” Helvey said. “Gordon was the only one that showed up.”
Moore believes the light of Ritchie’s life won’t be lost.
“He will be missed,” Moore said.
According to officials, police responded to a home on Dixie Highway Sunday night where they found the man dead of a gunshot wound.
Ritchie’s home lies on a remote plot on Depot Lane where he also farmed.
LMPD’s Homicide has responded and is investigating, and there is no suspect information yet.
