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John Ratliff Obituary
Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Monday in Greenwood Chapel.
Memorials: Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 2630 W. Freeway, Suite 250, Fort Worth 76102.
John was born Feb. 11, 1934, in Goree. John moved to Bowie with his parents, the late Wellington "Harve" and Grace Thornton Ratliff. John attended the University of Texas and graduated from North Texas University in 1955. Soon after college he married the love of his life, Robbie Harlan of Graham. John was an extremely accomplished business executive, but his love for his family, God and country were more important to him. John was most proud of his service as a pilot and officer in the U.S. Navy until 1962. After military service, he moved to Fort Worth, where he started his career with IBM in sales and management receiving many awards for outstanding service from 1962 to 1967. He joined Rauscher Pierce in 1967 as an investment broker. In 1969 John started Venture Capital Management, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and taking unprofitable companies to profit. During 1973 he worked with Tandy Corp., serving in various positions president or general manager of several Tandy subsidiaries and was the first president of Tandy Computers. A true entrepreneur, John started RCM Corp. in 1978 as a management and financial consultant and the business continues as an investment and management firm. In 1980 he purchased Standard Parts and Equipment Corp., which he sold in 1999 and is currently part of Honeywell. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth.
Survivors: Wife, Robbie Harlan Ratliff; son, John W. Ratliff Jr.; daughters, Robin and husband, Allan Shivers Jr., Lisa Ratliff and Kimberly Ratliff Truman; and grandson, John Patrick Truman.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Ratliff
Jackie Smith
January 23, 2008
To the Ratliff family,
I just learned of the passing of Mr. R. I worked for him at SPEC back in the late 90's. My heart goes out to each of you. I always admired what a close and loving family you were. Mr. R. was truly a man larger than life and I'm sure he will be missed by many. My prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy,
LOREAL LUMAR
August 7, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF MR. RATLIFF, SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I HELP TAKE CARE OF YOUR DAD, AND HUSBAND. MY GOD BE WITH YOU. FROM CVICU
Gary Erickson
July 23, 2007
I am sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a man bigger than life. John gave me an opportunity to grow in my career, for that I will always be grateful. May the Lord give you comfort during this time of grieving. God Bless.
Robin Rienstra Young
July 22, 2007
Dear Kim,
I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family. I remember your dad had such a strong presence and I remember that he adored you. I will always remember fondly our fun times together in high school and how special you are. I am so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Robin
Michelle MacDonald Deal
July 19, 2007
Although I had only met John Ratliff once or twice, I knew of him through my close friendship to his daughter, Kim and her son JP. Over the years I have felt a kinship to him through all of their stories. I know that he was an amazingly strong man who was devoted to his family and most especially to his grandson JP. He was truly a great role model for JP and they were in turn very close. I am sorry all of you for your loss. I, like JP am also an only child whose primary father figure is my grandfather. So, I know how special that relationship for them was and how much it will missed. I love you JP, Kim and Lisa!! You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.
Charles Salley
July 19, 2007
Sorry to hear of your loss. John and I worked closely together in the 90's when I was at Cherry Aerospace Fasteners. It was always fun to discuss aerospace business with him.
Rebecca Halden-Lusher
July 19, 2007
Dear Kim and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father and spouse. I remember how close you are as a family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Becca
Mike Johnson
July 19, 2007
Lisa, I was so sorry to hear of John passing. My mother passed away on June 28. I got your message from my office this week. John and your family are special to us at Silver West. It was a trying time for both of our families at Harris. At this time of loss for both of our families, I have found the memories of our parents are very special and it is what has keep me going. My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerly, Mike Johnson
Karen Smith-Watkins
July 18, 2007
Although I never knew Mr Ratliff, I know Kim and J.P. from The Premier Club.
Listening to Kim speak of her father the evening before the funeral I began to get a glimpse of what a huge part of J.P's life his grandfather had been and will continue to be. What a blessing in a young mans life!!! Kim's smile was so bright and her eyes sparkled as she reflected on what an amazing man her dad was. After reading the obituary today, I got an even greater undertanding of the kind of man he was and the brilliant life he led. Very inspiring indeed...
God Bless you all and your family is in my prayers.
David Trucksis
July 17, 2007
John and I worked together for many years. I always appreciated his ability to fully understand all sides of an issue and cut through the fog to get to the heart of a problem. I am sorry for our loss of a good man. (Gulfstream Aerospace)
Don Strickland
July 17, 2007
I knew John through the business side for several years. Although I haven't seen him in a few years, he was always a "trip" to meet with and tell stories. May God bless the family and give you strength during this time.
toni lewis
July 17, 2007
Dearest Robbie, David and I found out late last night, we are so sorry for your loss. John Ratliff is one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He sat me down and talked me through the stsrt up of my business.John always supported and guided. What a great leader.Most of all Robbie, John adored you. The love you share has been beatiful.You both fit the definitions of an exta-ordinary, gracious, fun loving fabulous marriage. You have set the bar. I am thankful for both of you. A call from the Ratliff's requires you to exhale and prepare for an effortless good time.I am so grateful for the friendship. We will miss John. Love you Robbie. Call when we can see you.Our deepest simpathy, Toni and David Lewis
Jean Allen
July 16, 2007
I am John's cousin, Jean, daughter of Raymond (Harve's brother). I was so sorry to hear about his death. I was Mary Lois'age and Emma Jon carried on a correspondence. I wanted you to know that you have my sympathy--all of you. I wish there had been an opportunity to get to know each of you.
Jean Ratliff Allen
Denton, Texas
CONNIE DIXON
July 16, 2007
ROBBIE, THIS IS CONNIE DIXON FROM DR. AXTHELM'S OFFICE, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AND I AM DEVISTATED THAT HE IS GONE, IF YOU EVER NEED US DON'T HESITATE TO CALL. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND I PRAY HE WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH IT TAKES TO GO FORWARD, HE WAS A WONDERFUL AND GOOD MAN... CONNIE DIXON
Karen Hopkins
July 16, 2007
Lisa, I will always remember your father sitting in his chair reading the Wall Street Journal as we would come in from our High School adventures and seeing your parents at "The Original"....good times! I am sorry to hear of his passing and wish you and your family comfort and peace. You are all in my prayers. Love, Karen Hopkins
Chad Chase
July 16, 2007
Mrs Ratliff, Lisa & John Jr,
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. I remember the first car I sold John. He pretty much let me know how things were going to go down. I thought to myself, oh my God I have finally met my match! He was such a tough guy, yet underneath what a nice man. Each time I ran into him I could always count on a great story from his past and he never failed to ask about my wife and kids. He will be missed and you guys are in our prayers.
Chris Caudana
July 16, 2007
Sorry to hear of your loss. John was always very kind to me. My condolences to all the Ratliff family.
Jean Gandy
July 16, 2007
Robbie: Tho it has been several years since I have seen you & John, I still consider you both lifelong friends, John was such a caring person and always willing to help others--he will be missed.
Guy, Betty & Greg Lewis
July 16, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of loss. John was a dear friend and will be missed.
Lyle English
July 16, 2007
I was sorry to hear of John's passing. Although I only knew John for a couple of years they were years I will always rememeber. John was a great business leader and I would also like to think a friend. John will be missed by all that knew him. May the light and love of the Lord shine on his family.
Chip English
Lisa Ratliff
July 16, 2007
Lisa,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
Much love the "other" Lisa
Janice Cooper
July 15, 2007
Sorry to hear about your dad and husband. He was such a great person. He will be missed by everyone.I loved working for him.My prayers are with you all tonight.
Janice Cooper
Iva Marie Houchin
July 15, 2007
Robbie, I love John, you and the kids so much. I'm so sorry about John. I wish there was some way I could take the pain away. Thinking of you and love you.
Shirley Hawkins
July 15, 2007
Robbie, I have such happy memories of our Graham school days. You and your family always were a big part of my life. I remember so well when you and John got married and started a beautiful life together. You were truly blessed. My love and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. God bless you all. Shirley Spivey Hawkins.
Talmadge Buie
July 15, 2007
You were an inspiration to everyone that knew you and I know that I am a better person because you passed my way.
Talmadge Buie
July 15, 2007
John: You were an inspiration to me as well as all that knew you. You always had a positive outlook on life and you will be missed. I am pleased that you passed my way
Justin & Renee Press
July 14, 2007
Having never had the pleasure to meet Mr. Ratliff, growing up in Fort Worth, I was aware of his presence. Myself and my wife Renee, are very close with his daughter Kim, a wonderful and strong person who is so full of joy so I can imagine that the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Our deepest sympathy to the Ratliff family and friends and our prayers to all. I am sure the memories will be dear and sweet. Kim, if you read this, know that we are thinking of you and love you so very much.
Rev. W. Lee Truman
July 14, 2007
While I only knew him a very short time our families were joined for life. I was deeply impressed with him as a man and father and knew that he had served his country with honor and disction. Our prayers are certainly with his wife and children and grandchildren.
Jim and Katie Hammond
July 14, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing......Our love and prayers are with you and your family. You will always be in our heart...
pat Tinney Jordan
July 14, 2007
What a wonderful life Sonny lived! I was two years behind him at Bowie High School and even then
we knew that he was destined for great achievements. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. May your happy memories bring you peace in the days to come.
Max Jordan
July 14, 2007
I was in the graduating class in
1951 with Sonny. I saw him last
at a class reunion at the "Red Barn" on the Newport Hwy. He was
a class act. A very nice person.
Max Jordan
Lois Campbell
July 14, 2007
Sonny, I always enjoyed talking to you on the phone, the last time was this past spring when I called about Nancy Clark Runnells. You were a great part of the band in Bowie High School and those were fun times, were't they? I have many happy memories of enjoyable times together. Lois Foster Campbell, Bowie High School class of 1951
Roy Curry
July 14, 2007
"Sonny", as he was known to us at Bowie High School, was a nice person who accomplished much in his life. I am extremely proud of him. Becky and I send our heartfelt sympathy to all his family, especially to his wife, Robbie, who incidentally was a cheerleader two years at Graham High School while I served as coach there. Sonny will be greatly missed.
Jim & Deloris Yates
July 14, 2007
Robbie, we are sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Nancy Dietrich
July 14, 2007
I only met him once but it didn't take long to see he was larger than life, had a brilliant mind, and a large heart.
Judy & DJ Garman
July 14, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Garlene McWilliams Frazier
July 13, 2007
John (we called him by his nickname Sonny) was a classmate of mine at Bowie High School - we graduated with the class of 1951--he was a happy guy & fun to be around- a very good trombone player also. He was a gentleman & always had a smile for everyone--he will be missed by all.
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