Ronald James Ratliff

Ronald James Ratliff, age 64, of Church Hill, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 10, 2015 at his home. He was a loving husband, father, "poppo", brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. Ron volunteered his time for Volunteer High School for 25 years with no interest except helping the kids and the school. His passion went beyond just the schools but also being a friend to those in his community. Ron had coached and mentored his children all throughout their childhood and had played a huge part in many other children's lives whether through sports or just being a friend. Ron had worked as a carpenter for many years at the TVA and continued to enjoy carpentry and woodworking as a hobby. He enjoyed being on the go and driving the grandkids around in his big red truck. He looked forward to the yearly beach trip with his family. He loved canning, especially his dill pickles. He was also known for his sense of humor and pulled the occasional prank. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Lena Ratliff; brother, Jack Ratliff; and sister, Phyllis Ratliff. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lyn Ratliff; children, Tara Barnett (Greg) and Shane Ratliff (Lindsey); grandchildren, Ryder James Ratliff, Garron Welling Barnett, Cooper Lyn Ratliff and Haven Lyn Barnett; sisters, Claudia Parry (Bernie) and Sandy Russell (Chuck); sister-in-law, Bonnie Hayes; brother-in-law, Terry Harris; nieces, Subrina Sonekeo, Heather Wheeler and Mandy O'Connor; nephews, Tim Russell, Gordon Parry, Kelly Hayes, Brett Hayes and Adam Hayes; special aunt, Peggy Decker; a host of extended family, cousins and friends. The family would like to extend a thank you to the nurses and staff at Kingsport Hematology and Oncology for their care and support for Ron. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill. Military graveside services will follow at Church Hill Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Organization at www.lustgarten.org. Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill is proudly serving the Ratliff family.