William "Bill" Columbus Ratcliff Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kittie Lea Carter Ratcliff; daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Maiden and her husband Bryan; William “Bill” C. Ratcliff, III and his wife Audrey; grandson Shawn Michael Ratcliff; sister-in-law Nancy Carter Shedlick and husband Ray; brother-in-law F. Woods Carter, Jr. and wife Phylllis; brother-in-law Nick Carter; former daughter-in-law Jennifer Reese and husband Jay, along with many close friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bill was born and raised in Martinsville. He split his working career between the grocery business and fire equipment business. He was known for his integrity and fairness to everyone he met or with whom he had the privilege to work. They were his second family.

Bill will be remembered for his warm and welcoming smile, his work ethic, but most importantly, his undeniable and fierce love for his family. He was a doting husband and father.

During his younger years, you could find Bill on a motorcycle, racing enduros or riding across country. And even after he decided to “retire” the motorcycle, he did not give up his two wheels. He and Kittie enjoyed spending time on the Dick and Willie Trail walking or riding bicycles.

The family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice, Dr. Matthew Reilley and his team at the Emily Couric Cancer Center at UVA for their unwavering kindness and support.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at McKee-Stone Funeral Home at 12:00 pm. A memorial service will begin at 1 pm and will be officiated by Reverend Doug Ramsey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, God’s Pit Crew or Samaritan’s Purse.

McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, VA, is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.