Haysi, VA – Doug Ratliff, age 72 of Haysi, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at his home with family after a long battle with cancer. Born in Montgomery, WV, he was a son of the late Raymond (Cuttie) and Gladys Marie Ratliff. Doug served 4 years in the U.S. Navy, was a graduate of the University of Maryland, and worked 7 years for the National Security Agency. He was a business owner for almost 40 years in Haysi, previously owning the Hilltop Motel and Restaurant, Sears Catalog Store, and presently owning/operating Doug Ratliff Tax Service. He also previously taught business night classes for many years for Southwest Virginia Community College. He was a long time member and previous president of Haysi Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, was affiliated with VFW post in Haysi, served on the board of People Incorporated, and was Treasurer of the Dickenson County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patty Lynn Ratliff.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Roberta (Birdie) Gayle Ratliff, a son, James Brian (Melissa) Ratliff of Haysi, a daughter, Donna Marie (Bryan) Childress of Haysi, grandchildren, Ethan Childress, Alexandria Ratliff, Zane Childress, and William Ratliff, a brother, Ronald (Christine) Ratliff of Ohio, a brother-in-law, Donald (Deborah) Merritt of Haysi, and a very special lifelong friend, Gary Clevinger of Kentucky and several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2014 at Haysi Funeral Home with Pastor David Cummings officiating. Burial will follow in the Johnson Cemetery, Pikeville, KY where military rites will be conducted. Pallbearers will be Ethan Childress, Zane Childress, William Ratliff, Benny Stallard, Donnie Merritt, Carl Mullins, Joe Robinson, and Gary Clevinger. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Merritt II, Kevin Merritt, Curtis Wilson, and members of the Haysi Kiwanis Club. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10 at the funeral home starting at 5:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral.com. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.