Theodore Roosevelt Ratliff Jr. known by loved ones as Ted, passed away March 6, 2022. The son of Theodore Roosevelt Ratliff Sr. and Lucy J. Wood, Ted was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on January 22, 1930.

It is difficult to sustain one love in a lifetime, but he was able to maintain four:
1) Personal: His family; six children
2) Military: Air Force career
3) Professional: IBM career
4) Spiritual: Jehovah's Witnesses ministry

Ted received his primary education in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and secondary education in San Jose and Sacramento, California, resulting in a high school diploma and an Associate Degree in drafting. In addition, he completed specialized courses related to his military career while in the U.S. and Germany. His education spanned 37 years (1935-1972).

He joined the Air Force on May 24, 1951, in Fresno, California, when he was 21 years old. Ted received basic training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He also served at Mather Air Force Base in California, Bitburg Air Base in Germany, Da Nang in Vietnam, and Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona during his 20-year military career.

His many awards included the Medal of Honor, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal of Merit for meritorious service.

At 41 years of age, Master Sergeant Ratliff retired honorably from the Air Force on 1 Jun 1971. After 20 years in the US Air Force, he returned to civilian life and eventually enjoyed a career with IBM, 19 Dec 1977 – 31 Jan 1992 in procurement. He retired early to move to Arkansas with his wife, Jennifer.

After moving to and settling in Morrilton, Arkansas, Ted was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on 29 October 1994. It was a pleasure for him to volunteer his time to work on Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls in Tennessee and Conway County. Additionally, he volunteered and took part in New Orleans disaster relief efforts.

In 2008, he was designated an elder for his devotion to ministry and faith. His passion for the Holy Scriptures and love for preparing for his talks motivated him to actively share his time, skills, and knowledge with others.

“I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said:

‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’
Acts 20:35 (NWT)

Ted was preceded in death by his:

• Father:           Theodore Sr.
• Mother:          Lucy
• Sons:             Michael and Steven
• Brother:          Robert
• Sister:            Julia Ann
• First wife, his children’s mother: Greta

He is survived by his:

• Sons:             Jonathan, Bryan, and Gregory
• Daughter:       Letitia
• Stepdaughter: Ann
• Brothers:        John and Ralph
• Sister:            Lou Janice
• Grandchildren: Stevonne, Jennifer, Lucy, Kiyosha, Joshua, and Isaiah
• Great grandchildren: Zahra, Landon and Max
• Loving and devoted wife: Jennifer (married for 30 years)

"I have nothing but good memories of you Ted"
Love Jennifer

The Ratliff family wishes to thank all who have supported them during this difficult time.

"Moreover, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who are sleeping in death, so that you may not sorrow as the rest do who have no hope. 14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NWT)

Elder Theodore Roosevelt Ratliff Jr. was loved by many and will be dearly missed by his acquaintances, friends, and family.