COUNCIL #4563 - MARIAN REMEMBERS
RITT CHITWOOD

David Rittenhouse "Ritt" Chitwood of Nolensville amazed everyone in 2006, when he survived an accident that left him in a coma for nearly a year and paralyzed from his waist down. He pushed on with his life, continuing to be an inspiration to all. He was a very talented musician and never let anything get him down.

On Friday morning, Jan. 24, the 28-year-old Ritt was struck by a dump truck while in a Murfreesboro crosswalk and later died from his injuries.

According to Sidelines, the student newspaper at Middle Tennessee State University where he was a junior, students often saw the junior recording industry major rolling in his wheelchair across campus and in the John Bragg Mass Communication Building. He had been accepted into the RIM’s highly competitive candidacy program a little more than a year ago.

“The department and the faculty are numb to hear of his passing,” said Beverly Keel, department chair told Sidelines. “He was always optimistic, and that was contagious. He was the most enthusiastic person about life. He never let his difficulty get in his way.”.

A graduate of Middle College High School, Ritt “made this world a beautiful place, overcoming many obstacles with his amazing spirit,” his family shared in his obituary. “His love of music and speech, and unbelievable optimistic attitude allowed him to lead an extraordinary life.”

Ritt was born April 21, 1985. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite Lamblé Evans Chitwood and William Chitwood.

Survivors include his brother William "Beau" Shadrach Chitwood, as well as uncles, Charles O'Donovan (Linda) Evans of Bonita Springs, Fla., David Rittenhouse (Yamalith) Evans of Birmingham, Ala. and Thomas Walter Evans of Scranton, Pa.; aunts, Anne "Nancy" Evans Benrubi-McClatchy and husband, Kevin McClatchy of Wagontown, Pa.; grandmother, Marguerite Lamblé Burke Evans of Scranton, Pa. and many cousins.