Stephen Bradley Ritter, 57, better known as "Bubby," of Advance transitioned to his heavenly home, surrounded by his family and holding his mother's hand, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Bubby was born Dec. 9, 1961, in Advance to Carl "Pete" Ritter Sr and Carolyn Shell Ritter.

Bubby was a "miracle" baby with special needs and doctors predicting he would not live beyond the age of 5. Having a strong will to live, Bubby's uplifting spirit and the call of God on his life multiplied those years. Bubby's passions in life were Jesus, family/friends, food, music and sports. Bubby accepted Jesus as his savior at a young age and served Him joyfully all his life. He often witnessed to others about the goodness of God and never hesitated to tell his friends and family, and even strangers, to get right with God. He was a member of Bethel General Baptist Church.

Bubby never forgot a kindness shown to him. He was loved by so many, and he returned that love with a divine purity. He forever loved Mrs. Sophie True, his homeschool teacher, he was devoted to his Granny Ritter and spent most nights with her in her little house across the street. He said he was there to take care of her and after they were in bed, she would always ask him to get her a Sprite. Bubby loved eating and his mother always made his favorites -- mac 'n cheese, chicken 'n dumplings, polish sausage and sauerkraut, gravy and biscuits and, of course, a big ole "baloney" sandwich.

Bubby loved music. He loved listening to Gospel and Country on the radio. He ministered to so many friends when singing "How Great Thou Art" and "Hallelujah Square."

Bubby loved sports -- basketball, baseball and hockey. His dad was a basketball coach, and Bubby attended every game, winning the hearts of the fans throughout Southeast Missouri. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and followed the St. Louis Blues and the Three Rivers Raiders on television and his trusty radio. His favorite sports announcer was Rusty Hendricks.

We are sure Bubby is now marveling over his new heavenly body and singing with Granny Ritter and Grandma Lyla and many other friends in The Hallelujah Square.

Bubby was blessed with an older brother, Carl Ritter Jr.; sister-in-law Angie Ritter; a nephew, Jared Ritter, and wife Jaime; a niece, Kacie Ritter-Patton; two great-nephews, Jerron Patton and Pacey Gerler; and two great-nieces, Blakley Ritter and Karter Patton, all of Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Fred Ritter and Rev. Ray Placher officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park in Advance.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to 18 Fore Life.