Ernest Gordon Ratcliff, 89, of Montgomery, TX, died on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. A service of remembrance was held on Monday, March 28, 2016, at 10:00 A.M., at Honea Baptist Church, located at 16430 FM 2854 in Montgomery, TX, with brother Leon Cowart officiating. Interment followed with military honors at Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 P.M. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves on January 15th, 1945, and served through June 22nd, 1946 in the 2nd Division, 6th Regiment. He worked in the oil and gas industry for over 45 years, of which the last 20 he worked as a drilling consultant. A native of Kirbyville, TX, he lived most of his life in Louisiana; 10 years in New Orleans and 20 years in Lafayette before moving to Gist, TX. After 20 years in Gist, he moved to Montgomery, TX, where he resided for 16 years. He was a member of the Honea Baptist Church, and active in his Sunday School class. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his loving wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rita Sanford Ratcliff of Montgomery, TX; son, Steve Ratcliff and wife Debbie of Conroe, TX; daughter, Janet Ratcliff Brown and husband Sonny of Montgomery, TX; sister-in-law, Sammye Sessions of McKinney, TX; 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, and 3 nephews. Serving as pallbearers were W.H. "Sonny" Brown (son-in-law), Richard A. Brown (grandson), Stephen B. Ratcliff (grandson), Shannon Yarbrough (nephew), Kyle D. Hamblin (grandson-in-law), James B. Short (grandson-in-law), Mark A. Nilsen (close family friend), and Honorary Pallbearer Rayford Woods (first cousin).
*Thank you for the life skills you taught us throughout the years, most notably how to be strong and to stand up for what you believe. These skills, your bravery, and courage are some of the greatest parts of your legacy. For that you will always be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
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