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BIll Ratliff Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for BIll Ratliff
445 Entries
sean hoogstraten
July 3, 2012
Our hearts are broken here in lake placid Area as we say good bye to Bill! He was a part of our family every morning for so many years! Just want to thank the Ratliff Family for sharing Bill with the rest of us here in lake placid Area! Rest in Peace, Bill! ? love you bill rest prace
Regenia Barber
May 26, 2012
"Bill was such a giving person with such compassion. I had the privilege of receiving a certificate by Bill, for volunteer work with HRS Children Services. I watched him every morning before work. Bill was always professional and a great family man. I pray that your family will find comfort and peace in God." For you will be truly missed!
Evangelist Evonne Kostantenaco
May 21, 2012
May the Lord bless you and keep you in his perfect peace as "Mr. Bill, TV ANCHOR is in the arms of the Lord Jesus now and always. He will be broadcasting all great events in Glory from now on. Like the wonderful concert going on now with Whitney, Donna and Robin as well as many others. Great Reporting always with GRACE and Humor.
SEAN HOOGSTRATEN
May 19, 2012
Our prayers go out to Bill's family and friends. He will be sadly missed. He was an awesome news man and it was sad to see him retire and even sadder to hear that he had past away. God bless your family in this time.
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Susan Conner
May 18, 2012
Bill was destined to be loved for his compassion and professionalism since his days at UC/CCM's broadcast division. Even then, Bill treated everyone with respect and loving kindness. He will always be remembered.
May 18, 2012
May god comfort you and your family. You will be missed.
R Phillips
May 16, 2012
We never met,but watched Bill from the time he came to Channel 8 until he retired, which was a sad day in itself. He brought great joy to the viewers and the morning show has never been the same.
May God Bless you in this time of loss, but take pride in the love he had for you and for his fans.
Bob Branch
May 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family in their time of grief..
Littel League Baseball
Florida District 6
Lydia Fernandez
May 16, 2012
Never met Bill Ratliff but I felt he was part of our family. Prayers for the family.
May 16, 2012
I watched you for any years and you will be missed. May God be with your family in this time of need. RIP. Rosa Galyas(Texas)
May 16, 2012
May God bless and comfort your family
at this time of their lives, and may
every memory be one that is filled with
precious moments.
Dr. Mary Inez Kibler, Tampa, Fla.
May 14, 2012
I watched you for years & years! you will be missed by many. My thoughts & prayers to your family in their time of need. RIP
Rachel Jameson (Knoxville, TN)
MARY REILLY
May 14, 2012
WE WILL MISS YOU bILL YOU CAME INTO OUR HOMES AND SEEMED LIKE PART OF THE FAMILY! MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
nelson ligori
May 13, 2012
god bless you from all of us aat the tampa baptist manor
nelson
May 13, 2012
we are sorry that you lost god bless your family
Gary Owens
May 13, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Nancy Frechette
May 13, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May 13, 2012
I never met your husband and father but I started watching WFLA when i moved to Florida in 1994 and always enjoyed watching Bill.He seemed to be such a good family man who seemed to be very compassionate when covering the news.I work at All Children's Hospital and thank your family for the suggestion of donations for the kids.May God bless you and your family and give you comfort at this most difficult time in your life.Judy-ST. Petersburg,Florida.
May 13, 2012
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing, remember him from our many visits to Pinellas from England
May 13, 2012
We are so sorry for you loss. god bless you and your family.
Becky Wodrich
May 13, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family in their time of grief..God Bless you !!
May 12, 2012
Our family is so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and bless you with wonderful memories. Rimmer Family (Plant City,FL)
May 12, 2012
Our sincere sympathy on the lost of a special husband and father. We enjoyed knowing Bill and working with him at AHN. Our prayers are with you Linda, Shannon and Chet.
Bridget and Emmett Doerr
Cindy
May 12, 2012
You would not have known me from Adam, but I enjoyed him every am for as long as I can remember. He is missed, and loved by many.
Dana
May 12, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family in their time of grief. I too recently lost my father and share in their sadness. Remember the good times and cherish those memories. Make him proud by living your best life. I'm sure that is what he would have wanted. God bless you all.
Fran Nichols
May 12, 2012
He was one of the best.
Sharon Wills Lee
May 12, 2012
RIP Mr. Ratliff. May God bless the family & friends in this time of mourning. Praying for you.
Deborah Jean
May 12, 2012
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Raj Chand
May 12, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to his friends and family. Rest in Peace.
Sharon Wills Lee
May 12, 2012
RIP Mr. Ratliff. Channel 8 won't be the same without you. May God bless the family in this time of mourning. Praying for you.
Oscar Carter
May 12, 2012
May GOD keep you in Haven to report all his Goodness to all who beleive. RIP
Debbie Brown
May 12, 2012
RIP Mr. Ratliff. You will be missed
Joan Bradshaw
May 12, 2012
I have lived in this area since the early 1970's. I "woke up" with Bill for years. He was the consummate profesional but his heart always showed through. To his family, he will always be as close as your heart.
Report well in heaven, Bill, your job on earth is done, albeit far too soon.
Carol Easton
May 12, 2012
When I first moved to the area from NY, I had to watch all the news stations to figure out what news I wanted to dedicate to watch, it did not take long to choose channel 8 because of Bill Ratliff, he was such a first class act! My condolences to his family.
Jorge Prieto
May 12, 2012
I'm not a journalist but even I could tell that Bill was a class act!!!
Michelle Ryan
May 12, 2012
Sending prayers of healing peace & strength to the family & friends of Bill Ratliff.
William Magness
May 11, 2012
Since 1990 I have watched Bill Ratliff anchor the news and enjoyed how he always presented the happenings of the day. May he rest in the arms of the Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon. To Bill Ratliff's family may I offer my condolences and sympathy for your loss, as he also will be sadly missed by me. May God Bless.
frank mccabe
May 11, 2012
I have lived here for 20 yrs and I only got to see Mr Ratcliff when I was off, I would have preferred to watch each and every day. Gayle and Bill were magic.. God Bless you Sir, and God Bless your family..
Sally Edwards
May 11, 2012
For many years my husband and I started our work day with Bill Ratliff on the morning news on Channel 8. He always had such a winning way of delivering the daily news . When he left Channel 8 we tried in vain to find another newscaster with his talents. We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Shawn Freeman
May 11, 2012
TO BILL RATLIFF FAMILY, CO-WORKERS, AND FRIENDS....My heart goes out to each and every one of you. As we all know Bill was a wonderful news anchorman and a remarkable person. He will be missed dearly. We all loved him but GOD loves the best. My prayers are with you...God bless!
M O'Neill
May 11, 2012
We are so sorry. We always watched him on the news since our first days in Florida.. He made us laugh and also cry. It is so sad that more aannouncers are not like him in delivery and compassion. Thank you for sharing his joy for life and our communitiies.
Chad Whitmoyer
May 11, 2012
Our prayers go out to Bill's family and friends. He will be sadly missed. He was an awesome news man and it was sad to see him retire and even sadder to hear that he had past away. God bless your family in this time.
Nancy Starr
May 11, 2012
My Very Humble and Deepest Condolences to Mrs. Ratliff and, Family
at This Most Sad Time for You..
God Bless ..
Karen Setti
May 11, 2012
My family and I have been in Tampa for 12 years. We have always watched the NBC station for news. We have come to rely upon News Channel 8 and its anchors for all of our information. Bill was the consummate professional and will be missed terribly. May God Bless Bill Ratliff and his family.
Bonnie Young
May 11, 2012
I will miss Bill alot; seeing him on channel 8 daily. You are in Heaven and will see your family at God's command. Miss you!!
Robin Clark
May 11, 2012
My prayers go out to Bill's family and friends. He will be sadly missed. I always enjoyed his many news stories and interviews. He is now by Gods right side and he is smiling down on us. One day we will meet in heaven. Sincerly, Mrs. Robin Clark and family.
Terri Simpson
May 11, 2012
God Be with his family, he was a wonderful news guy and as I see it now on t.v. that he was a great guy in real life also,he will be missed:( loved seeing him on the news.....
Debi and Danny Trauth
May 11, 2012
Linda and Family,The entire UC-CCM Electronic Media/Broadcast division today mourns your loss. Bill and my late husband would always touch base when we were in the Tampa Area. He sent me a beautiful note after I lost Roger 8 years ago. He was such a gentleman. Our loves left this earth too soon.
William (Earl) Kirkland
May 11, 2012
MY heart felt prayers go out to the news channel 8 family and to Mr.Bill Ratliff's family.I am a long-time tampa native of 50 yrs.News channel 8 has been a major part of my personal life and my total news source for many years. tears fell from my eyes when I heard about Mr.Ratliff's passing.I know heaven is rejoycing knowing that Bill has made his journey home to be with JESUS.although he will be missed by so many here in the Tampa Bay area community; we must be happy in knowing that Mr.Bill Ratliff is making away for his family up there beyound the stars with the other angels.GOD be with you At News Channel 8 and with Bill's wife and children.He will be missed by me as well.sincerly Mr.W.E.Kirkland of Spring Hill Fl,fomerly of Tampa. :)
stephanie johnson
May 11, 2012
i will miss bill alot you have my prayers
Kathryn Baker
May 11, 2012
My family watched channel 8 exclusively in the mornings because of Bill's presence. We so enjoyed his personality and the chemistry between him and Gayle and John.
He certainly was missed when he retired, it has not been the same.What a fine man.
Don & Sharon Brown
May 11, 2012
I remember watching his newscast for many years. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Karen Miller
May 11, 2012
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family and friend of this fine man. May you take comfort knowing he is in the loving arms of the Lord and you all shall meet again one day.
May 11, 2012
I missed him every morning after he retired..his humor and that great smile helped my day start off right. Rest in Peace and prayers for the family.
Dan Smith
May 11, 2012
I was so sad when he retired a few years ago as he and Gayle became a part of me waking up every morning. He had "The Voice" long before it became a TV show but it was his sense of decency that was so easy to detect with every story he reported. I had the pleasure of meeting him on the set of his show a couple of times and would occasionally see him at Sacred Heart. This was a good man and the world is a little better because of him. Rest in peace Bill and God bless his family.
KEAIRA HILTON
May 11, 2012
A SPECIAL PERSON IS GONE BUT MAY HE NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. AT 29 YEARS OLD I REMEMBER WATCHING BILL DAILY WITH MY 74 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER OVER THE SPAN OF MANY YEARS. BILL RATLIFF MAY YOU BE REMEMBERED BY YOUR MANY VIEWERS & STAFF MEMBERS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA. REST IN PEACE...MAY YOUR SPIRIT FOREVER LIVE ON!
Jan McNeley (Williamson)
May 11, 2012
Prior to leaving the area in 2006 I watched Bill present the news everyday. A professional at his craft turned his journalism abilities into a gift. His passing is sad for all he touched but his memory and legacy lives on. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Aurea Martinez
May 11, 2012
Rest in Peace. Thank you for your contribution to our community.
Judy Katz
May 11, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Bill over many years at WFLA and was proud to call him a friend. Although I left 14 years ago, we kept in touch, and he always had a kind word. He was a great journalist and humanitarian, and we will miss him greatly.
Amy Eisler
May 11, 2012
You knew by Bill's personality that he was a genuine man off camera as well as on. He was able to share his love of his family and his community with great joy. I was hoping he and Linda would be enjoying their retirement and am so sorry he has left everyone so soon. He was a great man and certaily will be missed by all who loved him.
Mary Heinrich
May 11, 2012
I hadn't been watching channel 8 for a while due to my schedule, but followed Bill and Gayle for many years. Bill and I corresponded when my cats picture was aired one morning and we learned that his wife Linda and I both grew up in Northern KY, only a couple of miles from each other. (Linda; I grew up in Crescent Springs!) Bill and I would reminisce about favorites haunts in KY and even before that, I knew he was a man of integrity and honesty. He was a very real person you felt understood so much more than than the stories he reported. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May your many happy memories created with Bill comfort you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Mary H., Sarasota, FL
Lucy Guerra
May 11, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Russ & Maxine Offenbach
May 11, 2012
Bill Ratliff was as close to the definition of the consummate journalist and broadcaster as one could find anywhere in the country, Bill is right up there with the best of them. His ability of connecting with his audience to convey the real meaning behind a complex or simple story, and his sense of fair play and honesty, his compassion, his genuine interest in the stories he reported on, his involvement in civic functions went beyond the obligatory responsibility required of media celebrities. Bill Ratliff was really the best of the best and his silenced voice and presence will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Aida Rizzo
May 11, 2012
My condolences to the Ratliff and Channel 8 families. I will always
remember his love of tater tots, his dedication for life and work. A Great Loss for the Tampa Bay Area. Rest in Peace Bill.
Charles Beckerman
May 11, 2012
We spent 22 fond years in Tampa Bay, and always enjoyed Bill. One time I had a question about a story he told, and afer I send him an email, he called me at my home with the answer. Our heart goes out to Mr. Ratliff and his family
Martha Agee
May 11, 2012
I loved watching Bill present the news...he was a fun person to watch...he made the news interesting and told it in a way, you listened...you will be missed and my thoughts and prayers to your family.
Margo Kastor
May 11, 2012
My thoughts & prayers for Bill's family & his channel 8 family. Watched him every morning with his girls Gayle & Jennifer. Rest in Peace Bill, you will be missed.
Allison Hamilton
May 11, 2012
So, so sad! I woke up every morning to this man as a kid for morning new and on into my adulthood. I was saddened at his retirement but this brings me to tears. Go with Grace Bill. Our families thoughts are with your family.
Tera Johnson Boyd
May 11, 2012
I watched Bill and Barbara, then Bill and Gayle. Every morning..They helped get the bay area out of bed, share a cup of coffee, get ready for work, and then hit the road..Warm thoughts for the family and thank you for sharing..
May 11, 2012
My prayers are for the wonderful Family he left be hind ,What a truly great perons Bill Was a great man ( God speed my friend) Charlotte tolentino Tampa Fl
Chris Hodges
May 11, 2012
A true "Legend" in my eyes. Bill was an extraordinary news broadcaster and truly one of a kind. He will be remembered always. My thoughts and prayers to his Family, may God bless and keep you through this difficult time. News will never be the same without Bill.
steven krejci
May 11, 2012
I first saw him on tv ,back in 1984. A true professional. Moved back to the area in '03. There he was. I guess I loved familiarity.I remember all the Chili cook-offs he attended,too.
My prayers are with his family...both at home and at channel 8.
Ray Hooper
May 11, 2012
I think about Bill's thoughtfullness as one morning, several years ago, he found my debit card I lost near the parking garage and turned it in to the security desk at the Tribune back door.
It's one of those little things that means so much and I'll always remember.
Carrie Fisher
May 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family today as they endure the loss of their loved one. We spent many mornings with Bill as he reported the news. Loved his warmheartedness. He will be miss. RIP BillRatliff!
Renee Reid
May 11, 2012
I,ve watching him for 27 years.He will be missed dearly.My prayers are with the whole family.He will never be forgotten.Bill we all love you and will very much miss you.Rest In Peace.ReneeReid from Hudson,Fl
May 10, 2012
I have been in the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years now and I spent most of my adult years watching Bill, Gayle and John in the mornings. I was saddened when he parted from the station and more so now to find out that he has passed. I pray that he is in a better place and I pray that his family will come to terms with his passing and somehow find some kind of peace. One of his most devoted fans.
Tammie (from Tampa but now resides in Holiday)
I will never forget his laugh
Lisa Edelstein
May 10, 2012
Linda and "the kids" -Our prayers for your loss are with you. No worries, I am sure he has already been welcomed by our other loved ones. Al/Mike/Tom/Freddie,and so many other friends have already made him a part of their universe,and one day, we will all be together again - Bless you all, I and my family loved Bill ( and you guys too)
Many prayers and blessings, Lisa Edelstein, Shani and the rest of theof our crew (of Luzon)......
Day Lemming
May 10, 2012
I lived in Florida for 11 years Mr. Ratliff was one of my favorite anchors.I left 9 years ago to come to my home town, Cincinati, Ohio. Where he started. I did so enjoy his reporting. He will be sorely missed.
Donna
May 10, 2012
My sincere condolences to Bill's family. He was much loved in the community and will be greatly missed. He was the best.
michael downing
May 10, 2012
Linda, I was shocked to here the news about Bill. I live in Gainesville now and did'nt know until yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children. Bill was in a class by himself and I cared for him very much. God Bless You All. Michael Downing
Emme dALTYN
May 10, 2012
What a place the a.m. news and weather must ne in heaven, John Winters and Bill Ratliff
Kay
May 10, 2012
Bill's death is such a loss to the whole area. We will miss him greatly. I pray the whole Ratliff family is comforted by knowing how well-loved Bill was.
Linda Hook-Rice
May 10, 2012
My condolences go out to Bill's family and close friends. We went to high school together in Cincinnati and played a lot of golf together as kids. He will be greatly missed and the world was a better place for all the news he reported over the years.
Rest in Peace Bill......
Linda McCallister
May 10, 2012
To the Ratliff Family: I am very sorry for your loss. I just loved to watch Bill & Gail on tv. He was such a honest, fair & funny man. I will miss seeing him on the show & special events, like the parades. Once again, I am very sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Bill
Sheri Huggins
May 10, 2012
My thoughts and Prayer's are with the Ratliff Family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I watched him for years on channel 8 untill he retired. He will be missed very much. Rest In Peace
Nanette Jeandros
May 10, 2012
To the immediate and extended family of Mr. Ratliff, my sincere condolences.
Mr. Ratliff, thank you for your journalistic integrity that so well served the Tampa Bay community.
Rest in great peace.
Nanette Jeandros
St. Petersburg, FL
P B
May 10, 2012
We pay our respects to Bill Ratliff and his family. We are so sorry that Bill did not get to enjoy many years of retirement. Still, he found great pride and joy in you, his family
MARIA CONSTANZO
May 10, 2012
TO THE REATLIFF FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. i WATCHED YOUR HUSBAND ON tELEVSION CHANNELL 8 FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS A MAN OF INTEREGRITY AND COMPASSION. MAY GOD PUT HIS ARMS AROUND YOU AND YOUR CHIDLREN IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
Becky Wolfe
May 10, 2012
Forever you will be in peace and in God's loving care.
MAGGIE MATTHEWS
May 10, 2012
MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. YOUR LOVE ONE WILL LIVE FOREVER IN YOUR HEART.
Beth and Ray Brooks
May 10, 2012
Linda Chet and Shannon, I'm heartbroken to hear of Bill's passing. Beth and I have been broken up since Tuesday. I can't imagine the loss you feel. We feel it in our hearts 500 miles away. What a great friend. We're crushed.
Mr and mrs robert Toledo
May 10, 2012
Rest in the arms of our lord
Billie Yaeger
May 10, 2012
I watched Bill for over 20 years when living in Florida. He was great Newscaster, always involved with local organizations and showed how much he really loved his occupation....I don't think he ever felt that it was a "job."
I am so sad to learn of his passing. My Prayers go out to his wife and children and to all his family at Newschannel 8 and 10. God Bless You, Bill and Rest in Peace.
Dina Castellon
May 10, 2012
May God be with you in this time of sorrow
May 10, 2012
to the ratlife family may god be with you at this time of your lost,i have the photo of bill holding my twins at all childrens hospital and have another great memory to have and to hold close to our hearts. god bless you all and our love to you. the dsouza family.
Barbara Ball
May 10, 2012
I was never able to meet Mr. Ratliff, but feel incredibly sad at hearing of his passing. I will miss his smile and laughter...his compassion for his fellow man...and the joy of watching him and Gayle interact every day. He will be missed and remembered.
shirley mora
May 10, 2012
MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY
Rick & Ronda Kyler
May 10, 2012
To the Ratliff Family,
Speaking as a Tampa native, Bill will always in the hearts of Tampa Bay...R.I.P. Bill!
May our Lord and Savior comfort all of you in your time of loss.
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