James Ray Ratcliff

James Ray Ratcliff, age 88 died Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 3:20 p.m. A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Cemetery with Andy Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. then the processional will proceed to the graveside service.

James Ray Ratcliff was born on December 21, 1936, in Cale, Arkansas to the late William V. Ratcliff and Ola Mae (Martindale) Ratcliff. James had two brothers: Johnny Ratcliff and George Ratcliff. He also had 5 sisters: Elizabeth White, Bessie Gifford, Ruby Mae Stone, Helen Ward, and Lillian Pouch, one of which was his twin.

He was a member of the East Columbus Church of Christ. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army and was a Decorated Vietnam Veteran and was honorably discharged in 1974. James retired from IKON Business Solutions after doing other odd jobs like painting and decorating and working at a hardware store. He loved to golf and bowl and his goal in life was to provide for his family and to make people smile.

James was married to the late Joyce Ann (Westbrook) Ratcliff, and he had two daughters: the late Kimberly Rene Ratcliff and Denise (Ratcliff) Burk, married to Donald Burk. James Ratcliff has two grandsons, Corey Allen Burk (married to Lindsey) and Kyler James Burk (married to Kara), and five great-grandchildren who were the light of his life: Alice Claire Burk, Camren Rhys Burk, Henry Robert Burk, Jaxson Levi Burk, and Avery Joy Burk. Serving as Pallbearers are Don Burk, Corey Burk, Kyler Burk, Jay McCrary, Andy Wilson, and Aiden Kennedy.

Honorary Pallbearers are Camren Burk, Jaxson Burk, and Henry Burk In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.