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Obituary for Robert Allen Ratcliff
Robert Allen Ratcliff passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 75.
A native and lifelong resident of Rankin County, he was the son of the late Allen I. “Sox” and Elizabeth Wilson Ratcliff. He was a 1962 graduate of Brandon High School where he played football. He attended Hinds Junior College and Mississippi College.
Robert loved his country. He served in the Army National Guard, the 134th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH unit) from 1967-1973.
Robert was a hard worker. At a young age, he worked at Standard Oil Co., Werline’s Music on Capitol Street, and Sears. For 15 years, he worked for BIC Food Distributors before joining Sysco. At Sysco, he retired as Director of Credit following 26 years of dedicated service.
Robert was a devout Christian. At the time of his death, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Brandon. Throughout his life, he had attended Robinson Street Baptist Church and Midway Baptist Church where he served as an elementary athletic coach. He became a deacon of the church at age 24 and participated in many aspects of church life including singing in the choir and playing on sports teams.
Through prayer, Robert was guided in his Christian faith to use his artistic and unique woodworking talents into carving and sculpting staffs, rods, and Christian crosses. The staffs and rods were provided to others in need to assist in their mobilization following injury and illness. These faithful works of art were shared, displayed, and given to communities in countries all over the world including Cambodia, Honduras, and England to name a few. His remaining works will be cherished by his family and friends for years to come.
Robert was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved his family and his family adored and cherished him. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Frances Ratcliff; daughter, Melissa Joy Smith (Johnny); son, Marcus Allen Ratcliff (Beth), all of Flowood; sister, Elizabeth Daye Barnes, of Missouri; brothers, Charles “Charlie” Ratcliff (Dell) and Phillip Ratcliff, all of Flowood; grandchildren: Wilson Robert Ballew (Lauren), Brittany Joy Cook (Zachary), and Lori Jones (Adison); step grandchildren, Mackenzie Lynn Smith and John Hunter Smith; great grandchildren, Cashe Adam Cook and Oakleigh Grace Smith; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Friends are invited to visitation with the family after 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Brandon, 309 S. College Street, followed by the funeral service which will begin at 12:00 Noon with Roy Lively, John Thomas and Jeremy Nottingham, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon.
Pallbearers will be Richie McLendon, Charles McLendon, Wilson Ballew, Adison Jones, Hunter Smith, Scott Smith, Aiden McLendon, Johnny Jordan, and Zachary Cook.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Missions Fund at First Baptist Brandon, 309 S. College St., Brandon MS 39042.
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