Tommy Joe "Tom" Ratliff

Tommy Joe Ratliff, lovingly known as "Tom," of Morris Chapel, Tennessee, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 60, following a stroke. His siblings were by his side. His sudden departure leaves a hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew his giving spirit and gentle ways.
Tom was born on January 30, 1965, in Savannah, Tennessee, a sibling of eight in a close-knit family who cherished the bonds of togetherness, all of whom survive him and carry forward the light of his memory. Known for his boundless love, Tom's life was a testament to selflessness and kindness. He never met a stranger and was always quick to share a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek or forehead, reminders of his affectionate and welcoming nature.
His early years were spent in the fields and woods of Hardin County, a place he never wanted to leave and where he found deep, life-long friendships and faithful bonds.
Tom spent the last 15 years as an employee of Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in Counce. His PCA family were extremely dear to him and will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.
Tom's caring and understanding ways made him a source of comfort to many. Whether anonymously buying a lunch or dinner for a friend or stranger or baby supplies for a homeless family with a baby, Tom's love for his fellow man was endless. His faith in the Lord anchored his journey. He lived with a quiet devotion that guided his actions and inspired those around him.
A tractor-driving, pig-raising farm boy in early life and at heart later, and a passionate outdoorsman, Tom delighted in target practice shooting his compound, recurve, and cross bows and guns, often finding peace and purpose in the quiet of nature. He took joy in sharing his love for archery with family and friends. Worshiping the Lord was close to his heart and he found immense strength in his faith throughout his life. Though Tom never sought accolades or achievements, his greatest legacy was the love and generosity he extended to others. He was always among the first to offer help or a listening ear, never turning away anyone in need. His gentle words and thoughtful deeds will resonate warmly with all who were fortunate to have known him.
Preceding Tom in death are his parents Brownie and Oma Jean Ratliff and grandparents Robert and Faudie Ratliff and Reeder and Floy Matlock.
Tom is survived by his brothers Robert Ratliff, Marvin Ratliff (Cheryl), Buddy Ratliff (Mitzi), David Ratliff, and Douglas Ratliff (Betsy) and his sisters Sandra Gale Ratliff Hackett (Shawn) and Rose Ratliff Qualls. His older sister was his second mom, and oh how he cherished his baby sister. Also surviving are daughter Hannah Ratliff, step-daughter Shelby Bernier, and step-grandson Ryder Kiddy. Tom also leaves behind cousins, nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, too numerous to name. Also left are his "first best friend" Darren Cawthon and special friend Kathy Cromwell Gant.
Visitation services honoring Tom's memory will be held on Friday, August 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Home, 450 Church St., Savannah, Tennessee. Additional visitation will be on Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at House of Mercy Church, 29625 Highway 69, Morris Chapel, Tennessee. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with burial following at Matlock Gardens adjacent to the church. In honor of Tom's casual, hard-working, outdoors way, the dress is casual.
As we remember Tommy Joe Ratliff, we are comforted by the words from 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Tom always finished what he started- his race driven by faith, compassion, and love. He rests now in the Lord's embrace, forever cherished by his family and friends, and fondly remembered for the joy and warmth he brought into our lives. In honoring Tom, let us strive to embody his loving nature, generosity, and faith, ensuring his legacy of kindness lives on in all of us. As Tom became an organ and tissue donor, at least three lives have already been saved. The family is confident that he would encourage you to consider this life-saving gesture to mankind.
ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Tennessee Donor Services
(Tennesseedonor.org);
Donate Life Tennessee. (https://donatelifetn.org/) ;
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt; and
St. Jude’s Children's Research