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Joe Ratliff Obituary
Surrounded by love and memories, we celebrate the life of Joe Edd Ratliff, who passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 79. He was a man who gave generously, loved deeply, and left a lasting imprint on every heart he touched.
Affectionately known as "Sonny or Hands," Joe was born on September 29, 1946, in Corinth, Mississippi, to Ida Mae (Flemming/Gwyn) Ratliff and William Thomas Ratliff, Joe was one of nine children. Joe relocated to Champaign, Illinois, in October 1969, where he built a career rooted in hard work. He worked at Illini Honda, Shelby Motors, and Clifford & Jacobs, JM Jones, and later became an entrepreneur, co-founding Joe & Lola's Detailing business. His resilience, integrity, and work ethic earned him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and customers across the region.
Above all, Joe's proudest roles were as a devoted husband of 56 years to Lola (Robinson) Ratliff and as a loving father to his daughters Wanda (Nate) Redmon, Scynthea Ratliff, and Debbie Ratliff.
A service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on November 14, 2025 at The Church of the Living God (The Love Corner) in Champaign. The visitation starts at 10AM and the service will begin at noon. Friends and loved ones are invited to join in honoring a man whose life embodied kindness, purpose, and love. People unable to join in person can live stream the service on YouTube by entering @TheLoveCorner in the search bar and join the livestream at 12PM CST.
Flowers can be sent to the Church of the Living God. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Fund in Joe Ratliff's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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