William Frederick Ratliff

Reidsville, NC- William Frederick Ratliff passed away peacefully on December 11, 2014. Fred was the youngest child and only son of the late Vera Etta Wimbush Ratliff and Coy Cephus Ratliff. He was born on a farm in Leaksville on June 26, 1942 where his father traded the doctor a shoat for the house call. The family soon moved to a farm in Wentworth where Fred grew up and later built a home for his new family. Fred graduated from Wentworth School in Wentworth, NC in 1960 where he played baseball and basketball. He went on to play semi-pro baseball from 1960 to 1967. Shortly after his marriage on March 12, 1967, Fred made a profession of faith. He was a member of Baptist Temple Church where he served on various committees and was honored to be elected as and serve as a deacon. From 1963 to 1977, Fred worked in the elevator industry installing motorized fire doors and escalators. He was elected as the Business Representative for the International Union of Elevator Constructors in 1977 and was reelected until his retirement in 2002. He served on the National Labor Relations Committee and the Local Education Committee. During retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending time on Oak Island where he was often seen on Ocean Crest Pier. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 41 years, Hilda Chatmon Ratliff. He is survived by his daughter Gretchen Ratliff Parrish and son-in-law Wayne as well as his grandsons Caleb William Parrish and Daniel Wayne Parrish. His grandsons gave him great joy and gave him strength and determination to live as he fought a courageous battle against cancer. He is also survived by his sisters Evelyn Bankston, Onie Mullins, and Russ Royal. He was preceded in death by his sister Elaine Cross and his youngest daughter, Anna Christine Ratliff. Fred was also blessed to have many wonderful and special friends who shared his love for fishing, hunting, dancing, farming, cooking, and telling stories from days gone by. The family gratefully acknowledges the love and support they have received from many church families, Advanced Home Health Care in Wentworth, The Annie Penn Cancer Center, The Penn Center, and Hospice Home in Wentworth. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13th, 2014 at three o’clock at Wilkerson Funeral Home with Reverend John Groff officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from six until eight o’clock at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Fred’s memory to Hospice Home of Rockingham County, P. O. Box 281 Wentworth, North Carolina 27375. Wilkerson Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com .