Craig Ratliff

Craig Colyer Ratliff, 69, of Lubbock, Texas, entered into eternity on September 10, 2025. He was born on December 10, 1955, to Gene and Bernita (Ross) Ratliff, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jan Ratliff, and his sister, Renee Brown.

Craig was a free spirit with an accepting and loving heart. Though he carried the weight of so much loss throughout his life, it shaped a perspective that taught him to treasure the simple things, embrace people just as they were, and never take life too seriously. His smile and lighthearted nature made others feel at ease, and his joy was a gift to everyone that knew him.

He never met a stranger. Protective yet tenderhearted, Craig encouraged generously and loved without reservation. His creativity touched every part of his life-as a poet who wrote from the heart for those he loved; a self-taught potter who went from messy mistakes to impressive masterpieces; a musician (a drummer at Freeman's after high school, and the perfect serenader and guitarist of "Puff the Magic Dragon" for his baby girls when they were young). He was a skilled craftsman, woodcarver, and painter who created many local landmarks (including the Waylon Jennings RV Park sign and multiple Littlefield Wildcat signs displayed at the local schools), a barista/owner of CJ's Greentree Coffeehouse, and a local barber who ministered through haircuts and a whole lot of bubblegum. He also had that witty, ornery humor that kept everyone laughing and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

When his beloved Jan was taken home, a big part of Craig's heart went with her that day. Together they created countless memories traveling in his VW van, Ruth (Craig's other great love), while chasing God's most beautiful sunrises and sunsets down endless dirt roads. Despite that loss, Craig carried on loving his children and grandchildren deeply, and he loved his God. We find comfort and peace knowing his time on earth ended with his house in order, so alive and ready for his biggest adventure of all-being with Jesus and reunited with those who went before him.

He leaves behind five children, Jerri Ann Moore and husband Christopher of Lubbock, Tara Humphreys and husband Kris of Sudan, Kristen McCain and husband Steven of Littlefield, Stephanie Henderson and husband Danny of Lubbock and Jonathan Webb of Lubbock; and twelve grandchildren, Mackenzie, Taylor, Maddie, Taylor, Olivia, Zayne, Emry, Konnor, Avery, Ross, Mikah and Rhyder, who will carry forward his legacy of love.

Craig will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, lived simply, and made people feel seen and loved wherever he went. He would encourage us all to do the same… and to that, we say, "Well din."

A service to celebrate the life Craig led will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday September 16, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Littlefield. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Grace Campus (PO Box 53891 Lubbock TX 79453) in Craig's honor.