Obituary of Thomas Ratliff

THOMAS LEON RATLIFF ROCK FALLS - Thomas Leon Ratliff was born October 3, 1917 in Rison, Arkansas, the son of Rev. John Edgar and Allie Greenlee Ratliff. Tom passed away on March 23, 2011 in his home, surrounded by his family. Surviving is his wife of 71 years, Avis Maree (Morgan) Ratliff. He is also survived by one son, Tim (Kris) Ratliff of Rock Falls, Illinois, four daughters, Kay Poston of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Susie (Don) Smith of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, Joy (Tom) McGraw of Littleton, Colorado, and Roberta (Bob) McKenna of Davenport, Iowa. He is survived by 21 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons, Tom Ratliff, Jimmy Ratliff and Chris Ratliff. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Clovis Ratliff, Hollis Ratliff and Kelly Ratliff. Tom and his wife owned and operated Ratliff's Shopping Center in Milledgeville, Illinois for 26 years. Prior to that, Tom owned and operated a roofing, siding and insulation business. He was one of the founders and a past president of Milledgeville Chamber of Commerce. Tom received Christ as his personal savior at age 13 and was a faithful Christian all of his life. Through the years he served as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, trustee and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of Gideon's International. Tom was devoted to the Lord, his family and his country. Tom loved people. After retiring in 1978, Tom enjoyed woodworking and made bird houses for many friends and relatives. Services will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, March 26, 2011, at Harvest Time Bible Church with Jason Borton, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM, Friday, March 25, 2011, at Schilling Funeral Home. Memorials have been established to Harvest Time Bible Church, where Tom was a member, and Gideon's International.