Steve Eugene Ratcliff

Mr. Steve Eugene Ratcliff, age 64 of Dalton, Georgia departed this life Monday, November 24, 2025 at his home.

Steve "Rat" Ratcliff, beloved husband, father figure, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home in Tilton, the only place he ever wanted to be and where he lived his entire life, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. If you knew him, or ever worked for him, you just knew. He wasn't a man you forgot. He was steady, stubborn, loyal, and unforgettable in all the best ways. A man of his word, he never changed his mind once it was made up, and you always knew exactly where you stood with him.

Steve was a great father figure, the kind of man who taught by example more than words. He was a member of Dalton House of Prayer for 26 years. He loved deeply and fiercely, whether it was family, friends, or his dogs he hunted with night after night. In fact, more than a few of us wondered if he loved those dogs more than he loved the rest of us, and the truth is, we're still not completely sure. You will never find a better world coon hunter, and everyone who ever trailed behind him knew that was the truth. When Rat was in the woods, you could trust his judgment more than any compass!! His dogs listened only to him, and he wouldn't have had it any other way.

A master of his trade, Ratcliff was the best brick mason to ever live. His work stood straight, strong, and perfect, just like his reputation. No one compared. No one ever will. If Ratcliff built it, it was there to stay!!

He is survived by his devoted wife, Angie Ratcliff, who stood by his side for so many years. Angie and Steve were married for 26 years, and she couldn't boil water to save her life, but he ate her cooking with a smile anyway!! He teased her gently, but he loved her deeply, faithfully, and without question.

He leaves behind his daughter, Brittany Barton, and her husband, Billy, and his son, Caleb Ratcliff, and his wife, Shanna. His grandchildren, Kinzi and Kizer Simmons and little Roy Ratcliff, they owned his whole heart. They never did any wrong in his eyes and could get away with anything. His kids… not so much.

Steve is survived by his mother, Jesse Ratcliff. He may have been stubborn, and she'd earned the right to say it, but Rat was thankful for his mama. He loved her, respected her, and carried the strength she gave him his entire life. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Eugene Ratcliff, a good and respected man. He admired him and carried that respect proudly, always striving to live up to the example his father set.

He was also loved dearly by his sister, Joyce Goble, and her husband, Larry Goble. Ratcliff never hesitated to tell her, "Joyce, you talk too much," or "Oh Joyce, stop that," and he meant it with pure brotherly love. She talked, he fussed, and that was just the way it always was.

Ratcliff held deep love for his mother-in-law, Mamie Hester, who at 96 still dropped everything anytime he wanted a biscuit. He cherished the memory of his father-in-law, Roy Hester, one of the most honorable men a person could ever meet.

Among the many people he loved, Ratcliff had two he carried close: his niece, Lashea Newton, and her husband, Brent, along with their girls, Karsen and Sadie; and his nephew, Brent Hughes, and his wife, Tracie and kids Brayden and Hailey. Steve cared for them so much, and each one held a special place in his world.

He had too many close friends and hunting buddies to name, but you know who you are, and he loved every one of you in his own loyal way.

Steve was unforgettable, a storyteller, a worker, a dog man, a fighter, a friend, and a family man. His grit, humor, stubborn streak, and heart will be missed more than words can say. But every story he told, every brick he laid, every joke he cracked, every hunt he led, and every life he touched will carry him forward for generations.

Services to celebrate the life of Steve Ratcliff will be Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel. Visitation will be the same day from 11:00 a.m. until service hour.

Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721.
706-226-4002 • www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Steve Eugene Ratcliff, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Steve Eugene Ratcliff, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation