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Thomas Ratcliffe Obituary
Thomas G. Ratcliffe passed from this life on May 25, 2011. He was born October 16th, 1931 in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Sara Eastwood Ratcliffe.
Tom was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Shreveport, LA. Following his graduation from Texas A&M University in 1954, he served in the US Army to the rank of Captain. Tom's career tenure included many years at Tenneco, Inc. in Houston, and LD Brinkman Corp of Kerrville.
He has been a resident of Kerrville and Ingram since 1979. Tom was a hard-working man, but he loved the Hill Country and his property in Ingram where you would find him on his tractor mowing his fields or down at the swimming-hole fishing with his grandchildren.
Tom married Barbara Joplin in 2010. Barbara has been a loyal friend and companion to Tom and the whole Ratcliffe family in these past few years. Barbara's daughter Erin Addison and her husband Rob and her son Jeffrey were adored by Tom and his family.
Tom was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church and served as Treasurer of the Sessions. He was very involved in Kerrville Performing Arts Society, and is a benefactor to Schreiner University and Texas A&M University.
Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife Barbara Joplin Ratcliffe of Kerrville; his children Scott Ratcliffe and wife Lori and their children Noah and Lindsey of The Woodlands; Dianne Ratcliffe Brickner and husband Joe and their children Sara and Jacob of Fair Oaks Ranch; Rusty Ratcliffe and wife Carol and their children Rachel and Jack of Round Rock, TX.; his brother John Ratcliffe and his wife Peggy of Houston and their child Andy of Durango, CO as well as extended family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 2PM Friday, May 27, at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, with Dr. John Wurster officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Greystone Preparatory School, in care of Schreiner University, Kerrville, Texas or the charity of your choice.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com by selecting Obituaries. Select "Sign Guestbook" at the top right of the individual memorial.
Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at
Kerrville Funeral Home.
(830).895.5111
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ratcliffe
5 Entries
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
June 2, 2011
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Thomas G. Ratcliffe our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Thomas. And to Thomas it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country while serving in the U.S. Army. Thomas, we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,307 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Thomas’s family and loved ones.
Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
May 29, 2011
We are so very sorry to learn of Tom's death. Tom and Jim were friends from A&M, and Sara Lou and I were Delta Gamma Sisters at OU - we both moved to Houston and married Aggies - what a small world. We mourn your loss and know that you have many wonderful memories to bring you comfort and peace. May God bless each of you in His special way.
Sally and Jim Moseley '57
Hope & Tony Hamilton
May 28, 2011
Tommy and Sara were some of our dear friends in Houston. I really want the kids to know how sorry I am to hear this news. Please know I love each of you and hope you'll come see us in Marble Falls. We love you and know there will be a devastation to lose both parents now.Tony sissy Hamilton
CiCi Barone
May 26, 2011
CiCi Masterson Barone
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
May 26, 2011
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Thomas (Tom) G. Ratcliffe our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Tom. And to Tom it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country while serving in the U.S. Army. Tom, we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,307 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Tom’s family and loved ones.
Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
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