Robert Malcolm "Tex" Ritter Lakeland – Robert Malcolm "Tex" Ritter, 88, passed away July 28, 2023. Malcolm was born to Glenna Haney Ritter and Roscoe W. Ritter on October 9, 1934 in Kuttawa, Kentucky. He served in the United States Navy from 1953-1957. On November 22, 1958, he married Mary E. Little. Mary passed away on October 29, 2022 after 63 years of marriage. Malcolm became a trainman at age 26 for the Railroad, and had a 36 year career until retiring from CSX at the age of 62. In retirement he kept very busy around their home and helping family and friends. Malcolm loved his family and always provided comfort and care to them. In his not so long ago years, he surely loved fishing, both fresh water with his railroad buddies and salt water with some of his other friends. He was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and enjoyed watching the games on the TV in his living room. Up until a few years ago, he maintained the upkeep of his yard, and Mary kept all the beautiful hanging baskets (Christmas cactus, orchids, ferns, etc.) taken care. He sure enjoyed looking out the back door at them from his chair at the dining table. Malcolm is survived by his daughter, Joella Murphy; grandchildren, Kristy Moore and Russell Murphy (Jessica); great-grandchildren, Layne Moore and Malcolm Murphy; brother, Sonny Harper (Cindy); and many other family members and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings, Wilma Dean Hammonds, Doris Jean White, Claude Ray Ritter, Nancy McKinney and Michael Ritter. Celebration of Life will be held on August 25th at 10:30 am at Mulberry United Methodist Church.