Lee Wesley Ratliff's Obituary
Lee Wesley Ratliff of Eustis, Florida passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the age of 92 years. He was born in Selma, Alabama. Lee proudly served his county in the US Navy in World War II, fighting in the Asiatic-Pacific, the American Theater and the European Theater including Normandy. After his military service, he attended Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated with a Master’s degree in Divinity. Lee met his future wife, Elizabeth during this time. They were married shortly thereafter. Lee served as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hokes Bluff, Alabama. In 1960 he moved to Bradenton, Florida and served as Pastor of Island Chapel on Anna Maria Island. The church later became the Island Baptist Church. Lee also served as Director of Manatee County Head Start Program. He later became a real estate broker in Manatee. In 2003, he relocated to Eustis, Florida. He was a member of LifePointe Church, SBC, previously First Baptist Church of Eustis, where he taught Sunday school for many years. Lee loved the woods and enjoyed camping with his wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Ratliff; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Cathy Ratliff of Eustis; son and daughter-in-law, Wesley and Donna Ratliff of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; sister, Ann Ratliff of Eustis; grandchildren, Ben Ratliff (Jess) of Montverde, Florida, Levi Ratliff of Denver, Colorado, Hannah Ratliff Davis (Joey) of Sanford, Florida, Clay Ratliff (Andi) of Tallahassee, Florida and Cara Ratliff Siren of Pensacola, FL; and great grandchildren, Buddy, Evan and Brandon.
Family and friends are invited to gather for viewing on Monday April 9 from 10:00 – 11:00 am with a funeral ceremony starting at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 1:30 pm.
If so desired, donations may be made in his memory to Racers for Christ, 1250 East Baseline Road, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85283 – www.teamrfc.org
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
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