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Eli Ratcliff Obituary

Bishop Eli Ratcliff, Jr.

March 16, 1929 - March 10, 2015

Raleigh

Bishop Eli Ratcliff, Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. Bishop Ratcliff was the son of the late Bishop Eli Ratcliff, Sr. and General Mother Ophelia Burrell. He was born in Lilesville, NC on March 16, 1929. He was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA. and was an outstanding chef throughout NC. Bishop Ratcliff was called to the ministry in 1959. He served the Lord and Lincoln Park Holiness Church faithfully for over 55 years.

Bishop Ratcliff is survived by his wife and love of his life, Margaret Ratcliff; children: William Ratcliff (Chandullal), Clarence Ratcliff (Christine) and Patti Allen; grandchildren: Takara Morris (Teron), Quenten Ratcliff, Kevin Ratcliff (Dorothy), Clyde Allen and great grandchild Aria Morris; along with a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins. His brother Edward Ratcliff and sister Elizabeth Ratcliff preceded him in death.

Family visitation and service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Lincoln Park Holiness Church, 13 Heath Street, Raleigh, NC. The Home Going Celebration service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16th at Mount Calvary Word of Faith, 3100 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Mar. 14 to Mar. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Eli Ratcliff

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Pastor Sylvester Williams

March 8, 2024

Bishop Eli Ratcliffe set the example of leadership in the Christian faith. Not only did he rebuild the church after a fire to the original people but he also looked out for the less fortunate. His faith in Christ Jesus the Only Begotten Son of the Living God encouraged me when I was ordained as a preacher under his leadership.

Dominique Barber

October 19, 2020

Bishop is still missed so dearly and deeply. His presence and the echo of his anointing is heard and felt everyday throughout the hearts, minds and spirits of all his friends, family and congregation. What so many of us wouldn't give for one more smile from that man. His impact was/is still SO impactful. I love you, Bishop, and that will never change. Thank you for being in my life! Love you beyond words.
Sincerely,
Dominique M. Barber
(Your favorite Baptism ever lolol)

angelo breeden

March 18, 2015

I never will forget listening to Lincoln Park broadcast on 1550am one Sunday mrng, I was goin thru terrible thangs in life...Bishop said "that they said they couldnt build Wake Memorial Hosp because it was located on rock, but then he said but look at what God said instead of wht man said...Wake Med is standn strong today." I wont never ever forget that passage!!! Thank u Bishop Ratcliff..

March 18, 2015

Bishop you will and are already truly missed. I will never forget all the good times that you and my family shared. The beautiful smile, laughter and inspiring words of wisdom. You were that anointed one and GOD knew best when he placed you in so many peoples lives. I will always remember being your personal nurse as you would always call me. I know that in my heart that your spirit will always be present here on this earth because you touched so many. No words can explain just how I feel on this day making my expressions as if it's the last time that I will see you. I will always remember growing up and being a part of Lincoln Park Church family.You are forever in my memories. We love you and will always cherish so many inspirational moments together. Love always -Lechelle- Aka- your little Woogie.

Brandon Young Sr.

March 17, 2015

God bless... We send our condolences to the Ratcliff family and to the members of Lincoln Park Holiness Church. Gone but not forgotten from the Young Family. Rest in Paradise..

Chris Ratte

March 17, 2015

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of the Bishop. Our prayers go out to the entire family.

Teresa Johnson Daye

March 16, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the Ratcliff family. God bless you all.

Prophet Ernest McIver Jr

March 16, 2015

Many years of wonderful fellowship, Bright Hope & Lincoln Park. What a Servant, what a Leader, loved by His people! Tell my Mother Blackmon 'hello.' Prayers to the family...

Vonda Gaskins-Buie

March 15, 2015

Prayers of condolences to the entire family

Jewrusher McEachin

March 15, 2015

My Deepest Sympathy to the Ratcliff Family Remember he live the life he preached and he was an awesome man of God. God so loved the world that he gave his only son those who believe shall see God. In Loving Memory.....RIP BISHOP

Ronald McNeil

March 14, 2015

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Ratcliff family during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Ronald and Vicki Hewitt-McNeil

Ann & John Hill

March 14, 2015

Our love and deepest sympathy to the entire Ratcliff Family. We loved and will miss Bishop. Margaret Sorry for your loss. Ann & John Hill

Shelley & Tony Curtis

March 14, 2015

We are sorry to hear of Rev. Ratcliff's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are praying for your family during this mpst difficult time.

Pamela and Michael McAuley

March 14, 2015

May GOD bless and comfort your family during this time of grief.

Rev. Daniel Sanders

March 14, 2015

To a mentor and encourager. Thank God for you love and service to us all and to this community and world.
We love you and 1st Lady much.
Pastor & 1st Lady Sanders and Springdield Baptist Church family .

Pastor Fred Morris

March 14, 2015

We extend our sincere condolences to the Ratcliff Family, we will always remember the good times we shared with the Bishop and his messages shared at Lincoln Park Church.Family may your memories be a source of inspiration and comfort in days to come. In Christian Love, Pastor Fred and First Lady Lenora Morris

Titus Mangum

March 13, 2015

Celebrating a life well lived. I will cherish all my memories of Bishop and Lincoln Park Holiness Church.

Overseer Sylvester Williams

March 13, 2015

With heartfelt sympathy we express our condolences to the family. Bishop Ratcliff was a man that loved the Lord and his love for Christ Jesus will live on in us.

Thelma Dublin

March 13, 2015

My deepest condolences to Rev. Billy Ratcliff and family. You and your family are in my prayers.

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