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John Ratliff Obituary
Asheville - John Bill Ratliff, 74, died at his home early Monday Sept. 16, 2013, with family at his bedside.
Bill was born and raised in Clintwood VA., in the home of his family Luther A. Ratliff, Tona Emiline Meade, and sister Mary Mae.
When he graduated from high school in 1958 he pursued higher education at Colgate University, Yale Divinity School, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In his career he served as Minister, Counselor, and Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond Indiana. His love of foreign travel took him abroad many times to teach and to learn. Upon retiring in 2003 he devoted his time to enjoying his family. He loved hiking, music, reading, volunteering, and being with friends.
His family was the keystone of his life. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Virginia DeVilbiss Ratliff, and two daughters, Betsy Ratliff Wackett, husband Timothy Mark, grandchildren Zachary John and Juliana Huai live in Jacksonville Florida; grandson Joshua Mark lives in Phoenix Arizona. Greta Leigh Ratliff, husband Robert R. Marshall and daughter Kabita Leigh Ratliff live in Louisville KY.
There will be a memorial service in the manner of Quakers October 26, 2013 at the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting, at 10:30 a.m.
In keeping with his value of engaging spiritually and emotionally with the world and its people, please remember him through a contribution of time and/or money to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ratliff
2 Entries
Sympathy and Prayers are sent to Bill's family, friends, and all those to whom he taught and listened with caring.
Charles Scalise
October 5, 2013
Bill Ratliff was a colleague and friend--a gifted teacher, whose inner light of Quaker commitment shone brightly in his life and work. Bill and I both were graduates of Yale Divinity and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. So, we had a good bit in common in the way we saw the needs of the world and God's call to us through them.
September 22, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Pet. 5:7
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Memorial Events
for John Ratliff
Funeral services provided by:
Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Services - West Asheville1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806
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