John Thomas Ratcliffe, 78 of Cave Ridge, passed away suddenly on Wednesday June 13, 2018 at his home.

Born January 31, 1940 at Cave Ridge, he was the son of the late Vernon and Bertha Fitzpatrick Ratcliffe.

Mr. Ratcliffe was a graduate of Hinton High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a retired mechanic for Grady Whitlock Ford in Beckley and was also a farmer. Thomas attended Grace Baptist Church at Nimitz and was a lifelong resident of Summers County.

He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Alpha, Franklin and Leslie Ratcliffe and also by 1 sister, Addie Maddy.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Phyllis Maddy Ratcliffe. One son, Jerry T. Ratcliffe of Cave Ridge; one daughter, Sandra Ball and husband Junior of Hinton. One sister, Martha Martin and husband Charles "Buddy" of Pipestem. Three grandchildren, Brian Ball and wife Chasity, Jeffrey Ball and Alexis Ratcliffe. Two great grandchildren, Chloe Ball and Hunter Carter. Two sisters-in-law, Mary Ploeger and husband Skip of Sedrowooley, WA and Avelene Richmond of Williamsburg, VA. Special brother-in-law, Phillip Maddy of Nimitz. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday June 16, 2018 at Grace Baptist Church, Sand Knob Ridge Road, at Nimitz, with Pastor Bill Ballengee officiating. Burial will follow in Lilly-Crews Cemetery at Nimitz. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.