Billy Gene Ratliff

Mr. Billy Gene Ratliff, age 76, entered into rest on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home, officiated by Brent Taylor. A private interment will be held in the White Oak Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, prior to the service, as well as at their home at other times.

Billy was born on September 22, 1948, in Ruby, SC, to the late Duncan and Lucille Gulledge Ratliff. He graduated from Ruby High School and earned an Associate's Degree in Fabrication Welding from Northeastern Technical College. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served as a paratrooper during the Vietnam era. For many years, Mr. Ratliff operated his own business, B R Welding and Fabrication.

He was a member of Clanton Plains Baptist Church, where he formerly served on the cemetery committee, pastor search committee, and maintaining the church facilities. Billy was a dedicated student of God’s word. He was also a member of the Ruby Masonic Lodge #314 and the American Legion Post 74. He had a passion for fishing, collecting vintage cars, and restoring his cherished 1976 Camaro. Above all, Billy loved the Lord and was known for his kindness and friendship.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ratliff was preceded in death by his sons, Billy Ratliff Jr. and Brent Ratliff; siblings Iris Deese, Nell Wilkerson, and Dean Ratliff; and special niece, Wendy Wilkerson Sellers.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie B. Ratliff of the home; children Johnny (Lydia) Hartwick of Hartsville, SC; grandchildren Zachary Hartwick of Charleston, SC, and Sierra Hartwick of Hartsville, SC; and great-granddaughter Annaleigh Wallace; sisters Joyce Mills of Ruby, SC, and Janice Parker of Chesterfield, SC; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Ratliff family.