Deacon Lonnie H. Ratliff's Obituary
Deacon Lonnie H. Ratliff, of Columbia, entered into the Master’s paradise on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Boone Hospital Center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Second Baptist Church at 12:00 pm. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday May 28, 2015 at HT May & Son Funeral Home in Columbia.
Lonnie Harold Ratliff, 75, was born December 11, 1939 in New Albany Mississippi to James and Ruby Ratliff. Lonnie lost his battle with cancer at 9:18 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Missouri, and went home to be with the Lord.
He attended and graduated from Line Street High School in Ripley Mississippi where he participated in many extracurricular activities. Lonnie was halfback for the championship Ripley Rams football team, and later played in a semi-pro football team in Columbia. Following his graduation from Line Street High School he moved to Columbia, which became his lifelong home.
Lonnie was a dedicated and gifted worker from his youth. His first major project, with the help of his pastor, was the reconstruction of his family home following a tragic fire in which it was destroyed.
He moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1959 and began working at Boone Hospital Center while pursuing his dream of owning his own business. A tireless worker, he began working for a construction company where he further developed his skills as a builder. He later began working at Rogers Central Heating and Air Conditioning Company, where he perfected his skills in Heating and Air. After a number of years and developing the necessary skills, Lonnie’s dreams were finally realized when he founded Ratliff Heating and Air Conditioning Company. He perfected his skills by attending KU Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri. Throughout the years Lonnie mentored many young men by hiring, training and developing them in the building and construction industry. Evidence of Lonnie’s skills can be seen throughout Columbia and surrounding areas in the numerous churches, homes and businesses that he built, remodeled or serviced.
Lonnie confessed his hope in Christ at an early age at Second Baptist Church in Ripley Mississippi. From childhood to adulthood he was active in all aspects of church activities. After moving to Columbia, he joined Second Missionary Baptist Church where he was a faithful worker. He served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and, at the time of his death, Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee.
Lonnie was a dedicated husband and father. While building his dreams in Columbia, Missouri, Lonnie married his childhood sweetheart Mary Cox, who blessed him with three loving children. Lonnie was a life member of the NAACP where he worked diligently alongside his wife Mary, attending state, local and national conventions and meetings to help improve the plight of his fellowman. A well-loved member of the community, Lonnie developed numerous friendships through his church, business, social and civic activities. He was known for his leadership, kindness and generosity.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years, Mary, the love of his life; his daughters Deborah E. Jackson, (Alex Holden, fiancé) and Pamela M. Hardin (Rev. Martin Hardin); granddaughter Kandis Hardin-James (Travis), Donte’ Hardin; two sisters Grace Bails and Johnnie M. Cox both of Ripley, Mississippi, and one brother, Joseph Ratliff of Hazelcrest, Illinois; one brother-in-law William E. Cox (Cynde) of Columbia, Missouri; sister-in-laws Annie Gardner and Bobbie Coleman (George) of Columbia Missouri and Mildred Robertson of Raleigh, NC, Jessie Barkley of Ripley, Mississippi and Hadie Wilder (Fredrick) of Milwaukee WI; and and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends. Also left to cherish Lonnie’s memory are Marvin, Martha and Myah McCary who were like children to Lonnie.
He was preceded in death by his son Kenneth R. Ratliff, and his parents, James and Ruby Ratliff; a sister Katie Story and two brothers, Allen and Paul Ratliff.
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