John R. Ratcliff

John Robert Ratcliff, age 79, a lifelong resident of Bradley County, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. He passed away at North Park Hospital in Hixson, TN. He was the son of the late N. T. Ratcliff and Lizzie Black Ratcliff. Three sisters, Lola Ratcliff, Velma Simmons and Anna Lee Davis and one brother, Lloyd T. Ratcliff, also preceded him in death. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army Air Forces, a past president of the Cleveland Jaycees and a former chairman of the Bradley County Republican Party. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers retiring with 31 years of service from Bell South Telephone Company. He was a long time member of the North Cleveland Baptist Church.

A loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen Haney Ratcliff, sons Gary S. Ratcliff and Jeff W. Ratcliff, daughters in law, Wanda Ratcliff and Suzanne Ratcliff. Several nieces also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 21, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with Dr. Jay McCluskey officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with members of Johns Sunday School class serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 21, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net