Claude Dennis Ratchford Sr.

Claude Dennis Ratchford, Sr., 91 of Bessemer City, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 16, 2023 in Gastonia. Claude was born in Gastonia on December 19, 1931. He is the son of the late Laura (Best) Ratchford and Charles Price Ratchford. Claude was a dedicated son, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Claude loved his family and he enjoyed spending time with them. He was a life-long and dedicated member of Antioch Lutheran Church in Dallas, North Carolina. At Antioch, he taught Sunday School, he sang in the church choir, he served on the church council and he helped take care of the church grounds. In addition to his family and church work, he was also a founding member of Agricultural Center Volunteer Fire Department. He served as the department’s Chief for many years. He proudly served his country in The United States Army. He was stationed in Alaska for two years listening to seismic activity to help spy on the Russians nuclear weapons capacity. Professionally, he was a cable repairman for Southern Bell and then ATT. He climbed telephone poles for nearly 40 years before he retired. His hobbies included hunting. He especially enjoyed bird hunting and he trained a number of dogs to assist in bird hunting. His family, his church, his community and all that knew him are grieving his loss.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his bride of nearly 70 years, Bertie “Jean” Ratchford. His daughter in law, Cindy Ratchford, has gone on before him. His sisters Elizabeth Ratchford and Lillie Mae Ratchford and brothers, Clarence Ratchford and his wife Edo, Don Ratchford and his wife Mabel, Charles Ratchford and his wife Ruth and Paul Ratchford and his wife Shirley have all also preceded Claude in death.

Claude leaves behind his two sons, Claude Ratchford, Jr. and his wife Beth and David Ratchford and his fiancée Juana Ferreyra. His legacy includes four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Missing their grandfather are Erin (Ratchford) Mohn and her husband Chad and their sons, Charlie and Sam, Dennis Ratchford and his wife Ashley and their sons, Avery and Jackson, Nicholas Ratchford and his wife Julie and their daughter, Abigail and son Matthew and Shonna Ratchford.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday July 20, 2023 at The Dallas (Carothers) Funeral Home, 212 W. Trade Street, Dallas, NC. A graveside service and committal, with full military honors accorded by The United States Army and The Gaston County Honor Guard, will be at 11:00 AM on Friday July 21, 2023 at Antioch Lutheran Church Cemetery, 330 Old NC 277 Loop Road, Dallas, North Carolina. Claude will be laid to rest next to his wife, Bertie “Jean” Ratchford. The Reverend Andrew Weisner, pastor of Antioch Lutheran Church, will officiate.

Fond memories of Claude and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomedallas.com.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made in Claude’s name to Antioch Lutheran Church Cemetery, Garden of Peace, 330 Old NC 277 Loop Road, Dallas, NC 28034.

The staff of The Dallas Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ratchford Family.