Early Years in the Heart of Michigan
I grew up hearing stories of mid-20th-century America, where ambition fueled dreams like a roaring V8 engine. William “Bill” Ritchie embodied that spirit. Born on March 27, 1941, in Dearborn, Michigan—a city synonymous with automotive innovation—he entered a world buzzing with post-war optimism. Dearborn, home to Ford’s massive River Rouge Complex, shaped his early worldview. As a boy, he navigated the streets where Henry Ford’s legacy loomed large.
His education laid the foundation for success. Attending Catholic Central High School in the 1950s, Bill absorbed discipline and values that would define him. He excelled academically, graduating with honors. Then, in the early 1960s, he pursued a business degree at Michigan State University. Top of his class. That achievement wasn’t just a diploma; it was a launchpad. Short sentences punch. Longer ones weave the narrative, drawing you into the rhythm of his ascent.
By his early twenties, Bill had married Susan Brabbs, a partnership that would anchor his life for decades. They settled in Romeo, Michigan, a quaint town north of Detroit, where they built a home on a sprawling 6-acre estate. Imagine orchards heavy with apples, a barnyard for horses, and space for kids to roam like wild stallions. This wasn’t just property; it was a sanctuary.
Building a Family Legacy
Bill’s top priority was his family. Each of the four children he and Susan raised followed in his footsteps while forging their own paths. Born in the late 1960s, Carol Ritchie, the oldest, assumed a supporting role. She oversees the finances for her brother’s businesses and is a silent power that keeps the numbers in balance. Realistic. steadfast.
Then there’s Jill Ritchie Haas, the actress’s daughter who chose the lights of Los Angeles over the cold of Michigan. She had appearances in movies including “Herbie: Fully Loaded” in 2005 and was born circa 1970. In the midst of her brothers’ exploits, Jill remained calm, got married, and began a family of her own, which helped the clan grow. Her existence is a Hollywood blossom from Midwestern soil, a stark contrast to its rural origins.
The older son, William “Billy” Ritchie Jr., experienced hardships that put the family’s fortitude to the test. He lost his right leg in a terrible tractor accident on the estate when he was six years old in 1977. Later on, he struggled with addiction, which could have depressed him. But he got up and started studying to teach yoga. Billy’s journey is similar to a phoenix in that it is both damaged and flying.
Born on January 17, 1971, the youngest, Robert “Bob” James Ritchie, rose to fame as Kid Rock. Bob’s tendency toward disobedience ran counter to Bill’s expectations. Dealerships with music? Kid Rock’s song “My Oedipus Complex” from 2001 captures the simmering tensions.However, reconciliation emerged. After selling his company in 1999, Bill gave employment advice to his son. He wore top hats and fur coats to performances, gaining the nickname “Daddy Rock” as a badge of honor.
The tapestry was enlarged by grandchildren. On June 14, 1993, Kid Rock’s son, Robert James Ritchie Jr., moved in with Kelley South Russell. He is 32 years old, a member of the following generation, and was raised in the midst of a custody dispute. At Bill’s funeral, the circle was completed by two great-grandchildren and two further grandkids, most likely from Carol or Jill. The numbers speak for themselves: a burgeoning dynasty with four children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
| Family Member | Relationship to Bill | Key Details | Birth Year (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susan Ritchie (née Brabbs) | Wife | Lifelong partner, raised family in Romeo, supportive at events | 1940s |
| Carol Ritchie | Eldest Daughter | Manages finances for Kid Rock’s businesses; low public profile | Late 1960s |
| Jill Ritchie Haas | Daughter | Actress in films; lives in Los Angeles; married with children | Around 1970 |
| William “Billy” Ritchie Jr. | Son | Overcame leg amputation in 1977 and addiction; yoga instructor | Early 1970s |
| Robert “Bob” James Ritchie (Kid Rock) | Son | Musician; reconciled with father; influences from country music | 1971 |
| Robert James Ritchie Jr. | Grandson | Kid Rock’s son; biracial; raised post-custody battle | 1993 |
| Unnamed Grandchildren | Grandchildren | Two additional; from daughters’ families | Various |
| Unnamed Great-Grandchildren | Great-Grandchildren | Two; part of extended legacy | Recent years |
This table captures the essence. Rows stack like family photos, each entry a snapshot.
Career Triumphs in the Auto World
Bill’s professional life roared like Detroit’s assembly lines. Starting in the 1960s, he dove into car sales. By the 1970s, he owned multiple dealerships, including Crest Lincoln-Mercury in Sterling Heights. Success wasn’t overnight. He navigated economic dips—the 1973 oil crisis, 1980s recessions—with savvy.
In the 1980s, he chaired the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and led the Detroit auto show. Picture it: 1985, spotlights on gleaming models, Bill at the helm. His influence rippled. The estate’s 5,628-square-foot home, bought in the 1970s, reflected wealth: apple orchards yielding harvests, barnyard parties with country tunes—Bob Seger, Rolling Stones—shaping Kid Rock’s sound.
Financial details stay private, but estimates suggest generational security. He sold Crest in 1999, shifting to advise Kid Rock. Retirement in Florida followed, a sun-soaked chapter after Michigan’s grit.
Health Battles and Lasting Influence
Around 2010, prostate cancer struck. A 14-year fight. By 2018, stage 4. Bill endured like a vintage car, parts wearing but engine strong. He passed on February 15, 2024, at 82, in Jupiter, Florida. Peaceful, surrounded by family.
His legacy? A blend of business acumen and family bonds. Tributes poured in. Kid Rock’s February 16, 2024, post: an “incredible father.” Even high-profile nods acknowledged his character.
FAQ
Who was William Bill Ritchie?
William “Bill” Ritchie was a Michigan auto dealer born in 1941, who built a successful career owning dealerships like Crest Lincoln-Mercury and chairing the Detroit auto show in the 1980s. He raised a family of four children, including musician Kid Rock, on a 6-acre estate in Romeo. Known for his work ethic, he battled prostate cancer for 14 years before passing in 2024 at age 82.
What was Bill Ritchie’s family like?
Bill married Susan Brabbs in the 1960s, and they had four children: Carol, Jill, Billy Jr., and Bob (Kid Rock). The family hosted barn parties with country music. Challenges included Billy’s 1977 accident, but bonds strengthened over time. By 2024, the family included three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
How did Bill Ritchie influence Kid Rock’s career?
Initially, Bill urged Kid Rock to join the auto business, leading to clashes. After selling his dealership in 1999, he became an adviser. He attended concerts flamboyantly, dubbed “Daddy Rock.” Kid Rock credits Bill’s love of artists like Bob Seger for shaping his music.
What were some key milestones in Bill Ritchie’s life?
Born March 27, 1941, in Dearborn. Graduated top of class from Michigan State in the 1960s. Owned dealerships from the 1970s. Chaired Detroit auto show in the 1980s. Kid Rock born 1971. Grandson in 1993. Cancer diagnosis 2010. Death February 15, 2024.
Where did the Ritchie family live?
Primarily in Romeo, Michigan, on a 6-acre property with an apple orchard and barnyard from the 1970s onward. They also lived in Royal Oak earlier. In later years, Bill and Susan relocated to Florida for retirement.
