John Dwight Ritcheson, 66, of Dawsonville passed away Monday March 14, 2011 at his residence following a sudden illness. Born June 6, 1944 in Muncie, Indiana to the late Burl Edgar and Lexie Frances Thomason Ritcheson, he lived in Dawson County for 11 years having moved from Duluth. Mr. Ritcheson began his working career with Muncie Auto Parts after which he was transferred to Decatur to manage a local store. In the early 1970’s he founded Tri-Flex which manufactured hydraulic hoses. He was also formerly employed by Carmet and Air-O-Matic, a subsidiary of Maridyne. John then founded Southeast Steering, Inc. which later merged with BAB Steering and Hydraulics where he currently served as National Sales Manager. He was also preceded in death by a son, Shawn Dwight Ritcheson; sisters, LaDene Grove, Linda Lee Keen; and a brother, Fred Willis Ritcheson. Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Barbara Mabon Ritcheson, Dawsonville; children, Catherine and Tim Waddell, Dawsonville, Sarah and Scott Griggs, Dawsonville, Angela and Anthony Griggs, Buford, Phillip and Tiffany Hancock, Statham, Kevin and Janie Ritcheson, Buford; sisters and brothers in law, Beryle and Jim Patton, Carolyn and DeWayne McGuire, Lois Turner; brothers and sister in law, Burl E. Ritcheson, Jr., Jim and Dana Ritcheson; 14 grandchildren and a great granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Friday March 18, 2011 at 2 o’clock at Grace Presbyterian Church with the remains placed in state at 1 o’clock. Rev. Dana Hughes will officiate.  Interment will follow in Dawsonville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Clinic, c/o Grace Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 201, Dawsonville, GA 30534. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.