Garland Gary Ratcliff

Garland Gary Ratcliff, of Springfield, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, at the age of 74.  He was born on September 1, 1950, in Frost, Louisiana, to the late Barney D. Ratcliff, Sr. and Etna Easley Ratcliff.  Gary, as he was known to everyone, graduated from Springfield High School in 1968.  He worked for Shell Pipeline Company for fourteen years, then worked for Badger Design and Constructors as a planner/scheduler before retiring in 1993.  He also served as a member of the Livingston Parish School Board from 1980 to 1986.  Although he was retired, he was a hard worker and not one to sit around and be bored, so he worked a couple other jobs until his health no longer permitted it.  To say he was an avid LSU football fan was an understatement.  A season ticket holder for decades, if he was ever wearing something other than purple and gold, it was probably a formal occasion.  He also enjoyed grilling and cooking, playing golf, and visiting his two favorite places, Lake Sam Rayburn in Texas and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Barney Dewey Ratcliff, Jr. and Dawes Ratcliff; sister, Jacqueline R. Wall; and nephew, Donald Cowsar.

He is survived by two daughters, Leslie Ratcliff Gardner, and Christie Ratcliff Varnado (Kirby); grandson, John M. Gardner, Jr.; granddaughter, Emily Stricker; great-grandson, Beckham Leyrer.  He is also survived by his sister, Mildred R. Cowsar; and his brother, Darryl Ratcliff; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the parish hall of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Albany on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral Mass to begin at 11:00 a.m. in the church.  Entombment will follow in St. Margaret Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be make to The Butterfly Wing-Hospice of Baton Rouge, and extend deepest gratitude to the amazing staff for their care and compassion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.