Duck–Thurman Thomas Ratliff, 95, of Duck, formerly of Widen, entered into rest September 23, 2016, at his home after a short illness.
He was born March 4, 1921, in Hazard, KY, a son of the late Thomas and Nancy Dobson Ratliff.
In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Olga Truman Ratliff; sisters, Norma Houghton, Junie Myers, Orpha Cummings; brothers, Ishmael, Charlie, Luther, Norman and Orvin; great-grandson, Samuel Adam McCoy; son-in-law, Jerry R. Duffield.
Surviving are sister, Enna Harvey; daughters, Connie Duffield of Strange Creek, and Shelley McKown and husband, Phil, of Frametown; grandchildren, Samuel Duffield and wife, Melissa, Rebekah McCoy, Philip McKown and wife, Cassie; great-grandchildren, Blane Albrandt, Hannah and Jace Duffield, Tyler Burick, Seth, Gracie and Maddie Jo McCoy, and Carlie Rae McKown.
He was a member of the Villa Nova Missionary Baptist Church of Duck for 60 years and served as an ordained deacon for 52 years. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day and later receiving a Purple Heart for injuries received from a mortar blast. He was a coal miner, worked at Chevrolet Production Plant in Cleveland, OH, Drove the Gassaway Cleaners truck, and retired from the N.H. Dyer Health Clinic in Clay.
Service was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at Villa Nova Missionary Baptist Church, Duck, with J.R. Mullins officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.
Visitation was from 6-9 p.m., Monday, September 26, at the Villa Nova Missionary Baptist Church, Duck.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice workers, Patty Elswick, Angie Butler, and Ricky Salisbury. Also a special thanks to Army Summers and sister-in-law Maysel “Sis” McNeer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd, West, Charleston, WV 25387 or Villa Nova Missionary Baptist Church, 887, Servia-Elmira Rd., PO Box 5, Duck, WV 25063.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
