Clifton "Red" Ratcliff

1925 - 2023

Mr. Clifton "Red" Ratcliff
May 9, 1925 - March 1, 2023
Hattiesburg, Mississippi - Clifton Edwin "Red" Ratcliff, Sr., age 97, passed away on March 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Ratcliff was born May 9, 1925, in Sumrall, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Estus and Virgie Melissa Nobles Ratcliff; his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Voncile Prine Ratcliff from Petal, Mississippi; and a brother, Carlton Estus Ratcliff.
Mr. Ratcliff is survived by his five children, Clifton Edwin "Eddie" Ratcliff, Jr., Vivian Jewel Fitzpatrick, both of Hattiesburg, Joseph Martin "Marty" Ratcliff (Susan) of Slidell, LA, James Tedrick "Ted" Ratcliff (Cindy) of Starkville, and Jason Daniel "Dan" Ratcliff (Shelli) of Cantonment, FL.
Mr. Ratcliff is also survived by ten grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and two nephews.
In 1944, Mr. Ratcliff served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific theater during World War II, after which he was employed by South Central Bell for 38 years, retiring in 1985. He was recognized as an official Telephone Pioneer of America, having established many of the first lines of telephone service throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.
Mr. Ratcliff was a member in good standing with Hattiesburg Lodge #397, F&AM, as well as a Shriner with Hamasa Temple.
Mr. Ratcliff, one of the greatest fishermen to ever cast a line, enjoyed a great deal of his retirement years (and before) at his and Voncile's fish camp in Waveland, Mississippi. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. An impressive gift for storytelling, he will also be remembered for the countless yarns spun through the years, always willing to share his wisdom through a story or two.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 9:30a.m. with services to follow at 10:30 a.m. at Jones & Son Funeral Home, Hwy 98, Hattiesburg. Burial will be at Roseland Park Cemetery.