Thomas Golden Ratliff

Thomas Golden Ratliff, 79, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday (October 30, 2016) following an extended illness. Tom was born December 7, 1936 to the late Golden Earl & Hazel Gertrude (Burke) Ratliff in Jewelridge, VA.

Tom unselfishly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was a Korean War Veteran. He was a private pilot and a retired Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration at Tri-Cities Airport. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church. He enjoyed Bluegrass music, playing his Dobro, and golfing. Tom and his wife, Norma owned and operated Ratliff Music in Church Hill, TN. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend; he will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a brother, Lowell Ratliff; and two sisters, Mary Sue Clark and Janice Salyer.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Norma Ratliff; two sons, Waymon Ratliff and Audey & partner Bonnie Radamski; three brothers, Roger, Dick, and Mack Ratliff; two sisters, Lena Belle Hamilton and Barbara Ingolds; four grandchildren, Jacob, Patrick, James, and Cayman Ratliff; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Emma, and Willow; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday (November 2, 2016) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home in Kingsport, Tennessee. The funeral service will immediately follow in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m.

Committal services will be held on Thursday (November 3, 2016) at 10:00 a.m. in the Garden of Everlasting Life I at East Lawn Memorial Park, Kingsport, Tennessee.. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Posts 3/265. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be made to the Ratliff family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Ratliff family.