George William Ratcliff

George William "Bill" Ratcliff, Jr., 85, of Kingman, Ind., passed away June 30, 2021 at Franciscan Heath Hospital in Lafayette, In.

Born November 28, 1935 to Martha Basinger Ratcliff and George William Ratcliff, Sr. of Kingman, In.

Bill was a 1955 graduate of Tangier High School and was a member of their varsity basketball teams in 1954 and 1955.

In June 1955, he married the love of his life, Virginia Anne Carson at the home of her aunt surrounded by family and friends. He resided with his wife and four sons on the farm west of Tangier and worked it with his father-in-law Ralph Carson for over 25 years. Bill was a union electrician with Sanborn Electric, Barth Electric, Public Service of Indiana, Cinergy, and finally retiring from Duke Energy Cayuga Generating Station in 2001 after 40 years of service.

An avid fisherman and golfer he enjoyed both with his friends in Naples, Florida when he and Anne retired there. Bill said his goal was that a snowflake would never again touch him. During the summers of his retirement, he and Anne spent their time following their grandchildren to baseball, softball, and soccer games along with travel to see their many friends in the Midwest. A lifelong Purdue University sports fan, he took pleasure in following Boilermaker football and basketball.

He was a member of both the Tangier Friends Church and the Naples United Methodist Church.

He is survived by three children, Stephen R. Ratcliff (wife Connie) of West Lafayette, In., Roderick J. Ratcliff (wife Pamela) of Culver, In., and John R. Ratcliff (wife Robin), of Veedersburg, In.; grandchildren, Joseph(wife Lauren) Ratcliff, Dr. Joshua(wife Emily) Ratcliff, Lauren(husband Matt) Ratcliff Sulkowski, Justin Ratcliff, Shelby (husband Robert) Ratcliff Ianello, Heather (husband Brock) Ratcliff Bennett , Jared Ratcliff; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy and Jane Davis of Pittsboro, In., and five great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Virginia Anne, son Michael L., sister Helen, brother Robert and granddaughter Chelsea.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful staff of Franciscan Health and especially to Robert Frieje who was Bill's roommate and caregiver for over 3 years that allowed him to live independently in Naples.

Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Care, 203 S 1st Street, in Kingman on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 2:00pm till the time of the memorial service at 4:00pm with Pastor Steve Crum officiating. Burial of cremains will follow at Rush Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Tangier Friends Church, c/o Neil McVay, 3663 W 1050 N, Tangier, IN 47952. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.