Joseph Ratcliff, 96
Joseph William Ratcliff, 96, of Hill View Retirement Center, went to be with our Lord on March 7, 2013. He was born Nov. 27, 1916 to the late JW and Mary Etta (Coyle) Ratcliff in Portsmouth, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Virginia Gilmore, a sister, Louise Stein, a brother, Donald Ratcliff, a sister, Mary Issacson, a son, Ron Ratcliff and a grandson, Tony Diaz, also, his wife Florence (Johnson) of 50 years, and first wife, Edna Porter.
The father of four, Ron (Rose Vastine) Ratcliff, Elaine Euton, Lorraine Tomlin, and Jody Diaz (Eric) Barker all of Portsmouth.
Surviving siblings are a sister, Virginia Rapier, John Ratcliff, Perry Ratcliff, Harold Ratcliff and Gerald Ratcliff all of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Grandfather of eight to Sherry (John) Boggs, Cindy (Joe) Waller, Joey Euton, Billy Euton, Angela (Ted) Hartley, Betsy Roush, Tony Diaz and Felicia (Aaron) Taylor. He was the great-grandfather to 18, Abby, Ben, Annie, Sarah, CJ, Kayla, Dylan, Shawn, William, Michael, Andrew, Alex, Amanda, Allison, Raleigh, Madison, Hope, Bella and Elie Jo; and great-great-grandfather to two, Cayne and Katie.
Joseph proudly served the US armed forces during WW II from 1945-1950 as a sergeant, Battery “A” 177th Seacoast Artillery Battalion. He was stationed in the South Pacific and a survivor of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He received several medals and also decorated with many stripes and stars including the Bronze Star he received during the Pacific Campaign, an Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with two bronze stars, and Efficiency Honor Fidelity Medal after serving 4 years.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 23, the DAV, VFW, president of Elks Golf Country Club, Little Scioto, and bowling league. He also enjoyed his “Big Harley”. He worked at Williams Manufacturing Company for 42 years in the office. He attended First Christian Church, Cornerstone, and New Beginnings Outreach Ministry. He was best known for his devotion and love for his family, his zest for life, kindness and quick wit. He will sadly leave behind an ex son-in-law, Felix Diaz and best friend Frank Dinsmore.
Graveside services will be held 3p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2013 at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Pastor Sam Bradley officiating. Visitation will be 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions per family request send or donate online to: Tony Diaz’s House of “Hope” c/o New Beginning Outreach Ministry, P.O. Box 472, Piketon, Ohio 45661, or www.newbeginningsoutreach.net.
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