Robert Graves Ratcliff

Robert Graves "Bob" Ratcliff departed this life on February 5, 2021, in Jackson, Mississippi, following a brief illness. Bob was born on December 25, 1934, in Starkville, Mississippi. During his early school years, he moved to Jackson and graduated from Central High School in May of 1953.

Bob enrolled in Mississippi State University that fall and finished with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry in May of 1957. He belonged to several fraternities and honorary societies: Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alpha Zeta, Blue Key, Phi Kappa Phi, and ODK. As president of his senior class, Bob also served on the Student Cabinet.

Entering graduate school in the fall of 1957, Bob served as president. In January of 1959, he completed his M.S. in Poultry Nutrition. After earning his master’s degree, Bob entered the U.S. Army in February of that same year, serving six months active duty, and returned to the U.S. Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge as 2nd Lieutenant. Bob reentered graduate school in September of 1959 and earned a Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition and Biochemistry in January of 1963.

Following his first year of work on his doctorate degree, he married Gay Brantley of Richton, Mississippi on September 2, 1960. They were married by Gay’s father and United Methodist minister Rev. Otho M. Brantley. Their firstborn, Robert Graves, Jr., blessed their lives in September of 1961. Again their lives were blessed in July of 1963 when their daughter, Gay Elizabeth (Beth) was born.

Upon completion of his doctorate degree, Bob accepted a job with Mississippi Federated Cooperative Services in Jackson, Mississippi, as Director of Nutrition with the Animal Feed Division. He was promoted to Executive Director of Livestock Operations and Vice President of the Feed and Grain Marketing Division. During that time he served as President of the Mississippi Feed and Grain Association and Chairman of the Board of the American Feed Manufacturers Association.

After working at MFC Services for twenty-two years, Bob took early retirement for a brief interval, enjoying his leisure time by traveling and golfing with Gay. He then came out of retirement to work for his good friend, Charles W. Ellis, of Great Southern Industries for the next twelve years.

Bob’s love for the Lord, family, church, and many friends were always the center of his life. Through the years, he served in many capacities within his church, and Methodist Cursillo had a special place in his heart. Bob served his Lord with quiet confidence, deep affection, and humble acts of service and devoted loyalty. He found deep fulfillment and joy among the men of his Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning sharing groups. And, as always, Bob was a dedicated Mississippi State Bulldog fan.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edith Ratcliff Hale and Douglas Horton Ratcliff, and his sister, June Davis Ratcliff. He is survived by his wife, Gay Brantley Ratcliff, of Madison, his son Robert Graves Ratcliff, Jr. (Michael) of Richmond, Virginia, his daughter, Beth Ratcliff Boone (Chris) of Madison, and his grandchildren Carley Boone Corbin (Seth) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Bailey Boone of Madison.

Please join us for a celebration of Bob’s life at Christ United Methodist Church,

6000 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS 39211 on Monday, February 8, 2021. There will be a drive through visitation under the south portico from 1-2 p.m., memorial service at 2:30 pm with graveside service immediately following at Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Social distancing measures will be in place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to:

-Christ United Methodist Church in care of the Christ United Methodist Church Ministerial Scholarship Foundation. (6000 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS 39211)

-University of Mississippi Medical Center Ophthalmology Research Fund in memory of Robert Ratcliff.

By mail (Development Accounting-2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 39216

Online (umc.edu/Give-Ophthalmology)