Nicholas Heath Ratcliff

Nicholas Heath Ratcliff, age 25, resident of Cleveland, TN, went home to be with his Savior on Saturday evening, July 28, 2007. He passed away at home with his loving family by his side. Nicholas was a member of Samples Memorial Baptist Church and also an adopted member of Beech Springs Baptist Church and White Oak Baptist Church. For six years he worked as a press operator at Bradley Litho. He was a 2000 graduate of Bradley Central High School. Nicholas was courageous, strong and a true inspiration to all. He battled many health problems with bravery and a smile. He was a sports enthusiast. He was a huge fan of Bradley High boys basketball and a Georgia football fan. He loved to golf and fish and watch dirt track racing. Nicholas was a fashion guru and could out shop anyone. He loved his family and his nephew, Aiden. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Eddie Smith and Harold Ratcliff.

He is survived by his loving mom and dad, Leisha and Gene Smith, Cleveland; brother, Sgt. Jason Smith, USMC and fianc, Rachelle Carson of Smyrna, GA, brother and sister in law, Anthony and Lisa Smith, Cleveland and sister, Madison Smith, Cleveland; very special nephew, Nikolas Aiden Smith, Cleveland; grandparents, Jerry and Phyllis Campbell, Cleveland, TN and Glenda and Jeff Reed, Cleveland. Several aunts and uncles and cousins. Other relatives include, father and spouse, Mark and Penny Ratcliff, Cleveland and grandmother, Eula Ratcliff, Cleveland.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at Samples Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Lee Ingram, Rev. Jerry Campbell and Rev. Gene Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Samples Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery with Marshall Hicks, Tony Cameron, Chad Cameron, Jamie Gladson, Landon Lemley and Steve Beavers serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include, Steven and Drew Campbell, Casey Bryson, Jordan Smith, Eric and Matt Smith, Chris and Chuck Wright and Chris Ratcliff.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 30, 2007, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Samples Memorial Baptist Church and Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Grissom Funeral Home has charge of funeral arrangements. Phone 423.476.8575 for more information. You may send online condolences to www.grissomfh.net