James Willard Ratcliff

Mr. James Willard Ratcliff passed away on December 31, 2011 at Mountain Vista Nursing Home on Denton. He was born on June 24, 1924 in McDowell County to the late Arie Monroe and Sippie Howard Ratcliff. He was a U. S. Army veteran, serving in World War II. James earned a divinity degree from Piedmont Bible School. He had a love for flowers and plants, as he had a small landscaping business following his retirement from the furniture industry.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ratcliff was preceded in death by his step-father, Harvey Lee Higgins, first wife, Frances Witcher Ratcliff, second wife, Virginia Sink, sister, Grace Gilger and an infant daughter.

He is survived by brothers, Richard Ratcliff and wife Melinda of Archdale, Robert Ratcliff of Grovetown, Ga., and Steve Ratcliff of Dallas, Tx.; sisters, Betty Dukeiewicz and husband Don of Glenflora, Wis., Evelyn Bowman of Marion, and Vivian Middleton of High Point; and several nieces and nephews. Exceptional thanks to a special niece, Sharon Palmer of Lexington for the love and care provided to James.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Guilford Memorial Park on High Point Road. The family will be receiving friends at Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point from 12:30-1:30 p.m. before the graveside service at Guilford Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to: Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.