Orville Joseph “Joe” Ratcliff, 88, of Ovilla, Texas, and a native of LaSalle Parish, passed from this life on Monday, January 30, 2017, at the home of a granddaughter, Khristi Busby, in Ovilla.
He was born November 22, 1928 in Olla to the union of his parents, Rev. Thomas J. “Tom” Ratcliff and Tempie P. Bass Ratcliff.
Joe served in the United States Air Force during World War II, reaching the rank of Corporal. He later worked for many years in the oilfield, and retired as a Supervisor for Dresser Industries.
A memorial service will be held at 12-noon, Saturday, Feb. 18 at Fellowship Baptist Church in the Fellowship-Belah Community, with Rev. Bill Robertson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Belah Cemetery under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy Ballard Ratcliff; son, Thomas David “Bullet” Ratcliff; brothers, T. J. Ratcliff, Julian Ratcliff, and Wencil Ratcliff; and sisters, Vauda Jewel, Inez Dark, and Inita Wangness.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Specht of Nebo, and Deborah York of Converse; one son, Thomas J. “Tater” Ratcliff of Nebo; grandsons, Jon Ratcliff of Grapevine, TX, Charles Hopkins of Logansport, and Robbie Robbins of Nebo; granddaughter, Khristi Busby and husband Gary of Ovilla, TX; and great grandchildren, Kenneth Busby, Joseph Busby, Kaitlynn Busby, and Reid Robbins.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.