Dear Kittie, Billy was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. I relied many times on his business sense and even more so on his personal knowledge of fairness and the ability to bring out the best everyone had to offer, even when they didn't know yet possessed it. Billy will be missed by everyone who knew him, but he leaves behind an untarnished legacy of someone living their life the way they chose to. I will miss his easy laugh and his way of engaging you in a conversation you didn't even know you had in you. May God bless your family and hold you close as you endure this difficult time. David Compton

I had the absolute pleasure and privilege to work for Billy during High School and college  at FB&B.  My time spent with Billy really was great.   Billy taught me business and management skills during my teens that I’ve used countless times in my career.  I am thankful I had the chance to know him, work for him and learn from him.

Sending prayers for comfort to Kittie and the family

It is with great sorry to hear of the passing of such a great person. I worked for him in the late 70's and early 80's at FB&B, while in HS and then when home for summer and breaks.

To say that I learned a lot from him would be a great understatement. He was a true gentleman..in every sense of the word.

Regards

William (Billy) Kassebaum
Charlotte NC

We will miss our fun times and good meals with Billy and Kittie! He loved his Big Boy breakfasts and especially meals at The Big House with Bryan and Beth! Heaven got a special guy and hope he is no more pain!
Love hugs and prayers for his family!
The Saul family

I worked for Bill while I was in High School at Cooper & Ratcliff. Then a little after school I was lucky enough to be able to ride Enduro motor bikes with him once. We met up again as competitors in business. We merged the two companies. For 6 years we worked together before he retired.  In his retirement we got several chances to ride Motorcycles (He loved seeing the back road country).  Bill was a good boss and very good partner in business. But as a Frind he was the best. Bill became like a big brother to me. He will be missed by all that took time to know him. Prayers go out for all of his family.

Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near,  still loved, still missed and very dear.  Bill you will always be with us.
Love Cathy and John

Dear Kitty Lea and dear family members,

We are saddened to learn of Billy's passing. He was a gentle man whose  kind and shining presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Wishing you peace and sending you love, Elizabeth and Julio

Gentle Sweet Gentleman.  Blessing & Privilege to have known & loved Billy.
May you find comfort in the knowing God has made good on his promises to him.

Posting for uncle James L Grant. He asked me. Prayers Kittie and family. He worked at Cooper and Ratcliff 25 years. Billy and his dad was great friends. Prayers for family friends

Prayers for family. Me and my brother Ronald worked for FB&B with Frank,Billy and Bobby. Great guys .Ronald pasted so I posting for both of us.prayers for all family and friends.

Our sincere condolences to you, Kitty, and your family as you  go through this time of sadness. We are among the many friends who will miss the presence of Bill and his smile. Paul worked at Cooper and Ratliff and grew to know Bill from there onward and he respected his integrity and his humor. We always enjoy conversations with you two whenever we met, and the time shared.
We will keep you in our thoughts, with love,   Paul and Sue.

Bill was a good friend of mine.  We had fun riding our motorcycles in Enduro races back in the day.  He came to visit me several times at my workplace in Eden and we had some good conversations.  Bill will be missed.  My sincere condolences to the family.

Billy and my late older brother Harry Wade were great friends.  My late husband Charles Fugate got to know Billy as they both rode in Enduros.   In fact Billy and Johnny Stanley rode their motorcycles to visit Charles in southwest Virginia in early 2000. To Kitty Lea  you will never forget he died but remember he lived and the great memories. Ann Wade Fugate

To The Family of William "Billy" Ratcliff, Jr., 

It is with heartfelt sympathy to learn of Billy's passing.  He was truly such a good man to have known.  I had the pleasure of knowing Billy and Kitty at Hillcrest Baptist Church.  I had met Billy before at his work.  May God bless and keep you all during this sad time.

My deepest condolences and love,

Deborah Massey

Deepest Condolences during this difficult time of loss of Billy
Early memories of the National Guards with my oldest brother Harry(Light Horse Harry Lee) and Wee Willy(Billy) are some great memories of the bond that was formed between us 
Once during a visit with Ora Debra took Billy's cousin Marie( who was famous for her Bourbon Balls) which Billy and Kitty said "Just a couple" while Ora begged for more. She smelled like a distillery.  Billy walked them out after the visit and grinned while saying "Debra, I sure hope the preacher doesn't come visiting after you both leave!!!"  
Billy was a special special man giving his attention to nature and closest friends 
May the family find peace knowing he was loved by this Wade family 
Sincere Sympathy 
Doogie and Debra Wade

OBITUARY

William "Bill" Columbus Ratcliff Jr.

March 14, 1943 – January 9, 2026

Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home

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