Larry Lee Ratliff

Larry Lee Ratliff, age 88, passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Sun City Center, Florida, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born on February 28, 1937, in Rising Star, Texas, to Roy Lee Ratliff and Iva Inez (White) Ratliff. His mother was born in Rising Star, and his father was born in the Oklahoma Territory one year before statehood.

As a young boy, Larry was raised in Lubbock, Texas, alongside his older sister Ann, younger brother Jimmy, and younger sister Mickie, and was raised in the Church of Christ. He enjoyed playing baseball and football, and spending time at his aunt and uncle's farm helping with daily chores and outdoor work. Larry was still in high school when his father died, and he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy to help support the family.

While serving aboard the U.S.S. Wasp in the Mediterranean Sea, Larry was trained in sonar operations to locate, track, and intercept communications from Soviet submarines during the Cold War. During his service, he also completed his high school education. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1959, Larry began his professional career in lithography and press work in Los Angeles, California. He later transitioned into a successful and fulfilling career as a Regional Sales Engineer for several technology equipment companies. His sales territory covered much of the southeastern United States, where he built lasting relationships and earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

While stationed in Bermuda, Larry met and was married to Barbara Swoboda from 1956 to 1966. They settled in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and later moved to Southern California. Together they had three beautiful daughters: Nicole Lee, Jamie Leann, and Amber.

In 1968, Larry met his beloved wife, Jeanne Riendeau, and they were married the following year. They built a beautiful life together, living in Southern California, Lubbock, Texas, and Huntsville, Alabama, and had two beautiful daughters: Holly Ann and Heather Lynn. Larry and Jeanne shared more than 56 years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and love. Together, they enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, and family trips to the beach. Larry was deeply proud of his five daughters and the lives they built.

After retirement they moved to Sun City Center, Florida. Larry stayed active and social. He and Jeanne explored the country in their RV, took Caribbean cruises, and traveled overseas to Europe. He loved to work out and could often be found at the gym, telling stories and sharing laughs. Larry had a natural gift for conversation and never met a stranger. He was known for his quick wit and always had a joke ready to share. He also enjoyed riding his bike and walking every day, staying physically and mentally active throughout his later years.

He gave back to his community as a volunteer with the Sun City Center Men's Club, a volunteer for Sun City Center Security Patrol, and served as a volunteer driver for Good Samaritans.

Larry is survived by his wife Jeanne and his five daughters: Nicole R. Smith (Glendon), Jamie L. Laubach (Ronald), Amber Brady, Holly A. Ford (Gregory), and Heather L. Selens (Kenneth). He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Niles Brady (Rachel), Zack Brady (Renee), Curtis Laubach, Tyler Smith (Christy), Nicholas Laubach, Austin Smith, Collin Smith (Jessie), Darby Selens, and Caitlyn Selens; as well as his sister, Mickie Jean Martin (Thomas) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Inez Ratliff; sisters Kathryn Rose Ratliff and Anna Merle Scheffel; and brother Jimmy Ray Ratliff.

He will be remembered for his humor, warmth, resilience, and deep love for his family. Larry was a man of his word, always helping a friend or neighbor. His legacy lives on in the laughter he shared and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of life honoring Larry Lee Ratliff will be held at LifePath Hospice House in Ruskin, Florida on Thursday, July 24th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, LifePath Hospice, or a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be written on www.legacy.com.

A second celebration of life will be held in Huntsville, Alabama at a later date.