Obituary for Raymond Franklin “R.F.” Ratcliffe
Raymond Franklin “R.F.” Ratcliffe, 80, of Pulaski passed away July 8, 2019 at Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation.
R.F. was born June 3, 1939 to Ruth Naomi Hall Ratcliffe King and Raymond Francis Ratcliffe. He was a man with many skills, and he shared those skills with everyone with whom he worked at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and Long Airdox. He also shared his skills with his students at Pulaski County High School where he taught Industrial Maintenance Mechanics for many years until his retirement. He was responsible for guiding and helping many students further their education and become valuable employees for many local and national businesses. He was a master metal worker and fabricator. He enjoyed restoring old vehicles and sharing his knowledge with people who shared this same interest. R.F. was very committed to learning and sharing the history and pride he had for the Town of Pulaski.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Naomi Hall Ratcliffe King; father, Raymond Francis Ratcliffe; sisters, Betty Lou Kirkner and Frances Jackson, and brother, Kenneth Ratcliffe.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Gunn Ratcliffe; sons, Buddy (Beth) Ratcliffe and Raymond “R” Franklin (Stacey) Ratcliffe III; sister, Elizabeth Ann Meredith, and brother, Monte (Bud) Ratcliffe.
Also left to cherish his memory are grandchildren Meghan (Adam), Maci (Cody), Emilie (Shay), Katie and Sawyer.
He is also survived by several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and special family, Tim and Ginny Hagee.
The family would like to express thanks to all of the medical and rehabilitative staff that showed such great care and compassion until the time of his passing.
Visitation will be at Stevens Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Graveside service and interment will be held Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, Pulaski with Pastor Kelly Howlett officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.
July 9, 2019 @ 3:34 pm
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy on the passing of R. F.
Anne&Jim Neighbors
July 9, 2019 @ 8:14 pm
He was a special individual that could figure out how to build most anything, one of the smartest people I ever been around and he was a great friend I was honored to meet and work with.
July 9, 2019 @ 10:19 pm
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Buddy. He was a good man just like my Dad. I’d like to think they are swapping stories in heaven. Prayers and condolences in your time of grief.
July 10, 2019 @ 9:09 am
he was one of the teachers that spoke to you at your level not down to you.when he spoke his love of restoring cars you could see his eyes light up with excitement.when he drove the 34 chevrolet to school man that was one beautiful car.
July 10, 2019 @ 7:40 pm
So sorry for your loss Buddy, prayers coming to you and your family!
July 11, 2019 @ 2:56 am
I considered this man my second dad. Not just my teacher. He did more for me to get me ready for life and a career than anyone in my life. He had forgot more than I will ever learn. I will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to the family during this time of loss.
July 11, 2019 @ 5:57 pm
So sorry to hear of RFs passing. You are all a special family to me. He was a good man.
July 11, 2019 @ 7:38 pm
So sorry for your loss of a fine man and teacher. May the memories you hold in your hearts be of great comfort. Prayers for you all that GOD will grant you HIS peace that passes all understanding.