Mr. Jerry Wayne Ratliff, age 70 of Chilhowie, Virginia, mined his way to Glory on Wednesday evening (February 7, 2018) at his home. Born November 25, 1947 in Buchanan County, Virginia, he was a son of the late Glenn Woodrow and Fannie Mae Blankenship Ratliff. Jerry was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran, but always emphasized that he was, first and foremost, a proud Soldier in the Army of the Lord, whom he served faithfully until he won his last battle. He was a member of the Highway of Holiness Church in Glade Spring, Virginia and enjoyed sharing the gospel with others through song. A retired coal miner, he was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. He also enjoyed spending many days hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons and special friend, Albert Williams.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of forty years, Juanita Bond Ratliff; one sister, Anna Belle Rowe; five brothers, Marvin Ratliff, Jim Ratliff, Junior Ratliff, Raymond Ratliff and Hurley Ratliff
Survivors include two sons, Jeffery Wayne Ratliff of Cedar Bluff, Virginia and Glenn Russel Ratliff and wife, Deborah of Chilhowie, Virginia; three grandsons, Nathaniel Grubidge and wife, Lindsey, Jonathan Ratliff and Zachary Ratliff; two granddaughters, Hannah Ratliff and Dara Ratliff; great-granddaughter, Kaci Grubidge; expected great-grandson, Charles Grubidge; two brothers, Bill Ratliff and wife, Ilene and Ralph Ratliff and wife, Ruth; four sisters, Shirley Blankenship, Christine Ratliff, Bonnie Yates, Linda Smith; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends also survive.
The family would like to express their sincerest thanks to Ballad Hospice (formerly Wellmont); especially Nurse Paula!
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 AM Sunday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tracy Puckett, Bro. John Godbey and Bro. Albert Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Street Cemetery at Rowe, Virginia. Military Graveside Honors will be conducted by American Veterans Honor Guard.
Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends after 6 PM Saturday at the Honaker Funeral Home where a song service will be conducted at 7 PM.