Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Glenn Wagner Ratliff (Pinky), 72, of Old Athens Road formerly of Rock and Green Valley, WV died Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital following a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Born March 5, 1946 in Ashland, WV to Billie Ratliff Taylor and raised by grandmother Ruth White Ratliff, “Mother.”
Glenn was a graduate of Montcalm High School, class of 1965. He obtained a degree in civil engineering from Bluefield State College in 1968. He was retired from U.S. Steel Mining where he worked for 40 years as a coal miner, a career that he loved. He attended Lerona United Methodist Church. He enjoyed long walks, camping, fishing, writing letters, meeting new people and catching up with old friends, feeding his backyard wildlife, and spending countless hours spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother Billie Ratliff Taylor and his step-father Brack Taylor Sr., his grandparents Ruth and Stanley Ratliff, half-brother Brack “Sonny” Taylor Jr., special relatives Ralph “Tootie” Ratliff and Anita Ratliff.
Glenn is survived by his wife Arita Sylvester Ratliff, the love of his life. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on April 18, 2018. He is also survived by his daughter Heather White and husband Christopher White of Athens, daughter Krista Ratliff and companion Charles Jackson of Charlotte, NC. Grandchildren Emily Stock, Shawn Thorne, and Isaac White of Athens, great- grandchildren Colby Kelly and Berklee Lester of Athens, and his best friend Joe Mason of Caro, Michigan.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Cancer Center for their compassionate care.
Glenn’s life will be honored and celebrated at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV on Sunday September 16, 2018 with a visitation from 6 PM to 8 PM and funeral following on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 3:00 PM. Pastor David White will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell, WV where Rick Isaac, Mitchell Sylvester, Eddie Minnix, Timmy Clower, John Sylvester, and Mike Barker will serve as pall bearers. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Duncan, Eugene Hazelwood, and Wallace Neal.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Glenn’s memory to the SECU Family house, 1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. This was his home away from home when receiving treatments.
Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.