David Simon Ratner

David Ratner Obituary

DAVID SIMON
RATNER, 67

LAKELAND - David Simon Ratner, 67, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2007 of cardio arrest.
Born on March 5, 1940 in Atlanta, GA, he moved to Lakeland in 1970 from Miami Beach, FL. Mr. Ratner loved to spend time with his grandson, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed cooking and reading. He was an U.S. Army Veteran.
Mr. Ratner is survived by his wife, Patricia Anne Ratner, daughter and son-in-law, Elisa and Raymond Gonzales; and one grandson, Raymond A. Gonzales all of Lakeland.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Lakeland Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A service will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made In loving Memory of David S. Ratner to either: SPCA, Inc., 5850 Brannen Road, Lakeland, Florida 33813 or to the American Heart Association, Memorials and tributes, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284. On Line Guest Book at www.lakelandfuneralhome.com.
Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens is serving the family.

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

Published by The Ledger on Sep. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for David Ratner

4 Entries

Jan Simon

January 26, 2008

Dear Patti:
I hope you remember me. I am so sorry I did not know about David's passing until now. He has now come full circle. Back with his Mother and my Ralph (his brother). I know you will miss him as much as I miss Ralph. Please let me hear from you and your family on occasion.I am still here in Pensacola. With loving thoughts and prayers. Your sister-in-law, Jan Simon

Theresa, Jamie & Sarah Gardner

September 10, 2007

We are going to miss you. The Ratner family is in our paryers. I love you guys. Keep strong we will get through this together!

Sherri Smith

September 9, 2007

Dear David - rest in peace in our Saviors arms ! I will never forget our time at Medulla sharing the LORD ! I am so proud that you recieved the Bible from me & was so pleased! I am praying for the Rattner family !!

Larry & Penny Whitt

September 9, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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