Obituary of Rayburn Ratcliffe

After a courageous battle with lung cancer, Rayburn Ray Ratcliffe, 76 of Montvale passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. On Wednesday, June 29, 2011 we lost a loving Husband, Daddy, Papa, Popie and great friend. Ray will be sadly missed by his loving wife of thirty-seven years, Nora Mae; three daughters, Sherrie Witt, Kathy Parker and Teresa Meadows; his very special child & "little buddy", Makaylah; two sons-in-law, Terry & Bruce; three grandchildren, Brandy, Mindy and Terry Ray & his wife, Ashlee and one great granddaughter, MaKynze, and many other family and friends. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, William M. Witt. Ray was currently an employee of Bedford County working as a collection attendant in Montvale. He enjoyed being around people and he loved the people of Montvale. Ray spent most of his life working as a diesel mechanic. He was retired from Timlaph Corporation in Montvale. When he wasn't under an eighteen wheeler, you could find him working on someone else's vehicle. He had a passion for helping people and was always there when anyone needed him. Ray's trademark was his sense of humor, his smile and his overwhelming personality. He received so much joy from hearing others laugh; just let him walk into a room and you could feel the mood change. There are people who enter our lives who are truly remarkable; Ray was one of those people. Without fail, Ray always had a smile with a glint in his eyes when he talked to you. With his jokes and clownish ways, he could bring cheer to anyone's face. Ray's hugs were really unforgettable; his hugs weren't just tight, they were heartfelt. Ray will forever be in our hearts and all of our memories. He was a wonderful Husband, Daddy, Papa, Popie and friend to all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11 AM at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Bill Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in the Montvale Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may call Friday after 2 PM and the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford. .