Billy Joe Ratliff
Billy Joe Ratliff, age 82, of Bourbon, MO, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2019 in Des Arc, MO.
Billy Joe was born on February 17, 1937 in Malden, MO, the son of Robert and Lorraine (Davis) Ratliff. He grew up and attended school through 8th grade. In 1955, Billy was employed by International Shoe Co. He was united in marriage to Minnie Emily Tharp on January 20, 1956 at Pentecostal Tabernacle in St. Louis. Billy and Emily were blessed with two children, Kathy and Mark. In 1956, Billy worked for St. Louis Tool & Die and then shortly after, he gained employment with General Motors. He remained at General Motors until his retirement in 1986. Billy had great faith in God and enjoyed reading his Bible. He was a Full Gospel Pentecost Deacon in St. Louis, as well as Sunday school Superintendent. Billy would also emcee for Gospel music singers. He also enjoyed fishing and playing guitar. Billy will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends.
Billy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Minnie “Emily” (Tharp) Ratliff of Bourbon, MO; two children, Kathy Wilson of Bourbon, MO, and Mark Ratliff and wife, Claudia, of Des Arc, MO; four grandchildren: Maria Fischer and husband, Charles, of St. Louis, MO, Timothy Ratliff of St. Louis, MO, Johnathan Phelps and wife, Nicole, of Wausau, WI, and Brandon Wilson of Bourbon, MO; five great-grandchildren: Savanna Fischer, Lexius, Sarah, Arielle, and Brennan Wilson; two sisters, Betty Hill of St. Louis, MO, and Doris Smith of Apple Valley, CA; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lorraine Ratliff; and one brother, Johnny Walker.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Ed Carter as the officiant. Interment followed in Bourbon Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m., Saturday, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Friends may send online condolences to Billy’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.