Tommy Ratliff

Tommy Ratliff, 66, transitioned on Monday, August 9, 2021 at his residence.

Tommy Ratliff was a young 66-year-old at his time of passing. Young, because he was young in spirit. His voice was always loud and full of energy. No matter what obstacles or adversities, you would never truly know what he was going through. When he saw you coming, he was calling your name loudly with a smile on his face. He was usually calling you by a personal nickname that he gives everybody. He loved to see you coming and even when you were leaving, he would make sure you made it to your car, still smiling and talking. He always left you with something positive, a funny joke and laughter. 

As a sports fan, Tommy loved the Lakers, Duke and the Dallas Cowboys. You could make him a nice T-Bone steak, turn on the games, and his day would be set. If you brought up the subject of basketball or football you already knew where the conversation was going. No matter how good or bad his teams were, he always had the best arguments of why they were going to take it all this year.

Tommy was an easy person to talk to and was never short on conversation.  He never met a stranger and could talk to anybody about anything. Even if he didn’t agree with you, he always found some way to make light of the matter, laughing and putting a positive or funny spin on the topic. Tommy could find humor in just about anything. He always made you feel like he had lifted some weigh off you just by listening. 

Tommy was a great grandfather who always gave to the children in the family. He was always encouraging and proud. In his later years he lost one of his legs but still spent time racing his youngest granddaughter up and down the driveway in his wheelchair. There is so much that will be missed about Tommy including his salt and pepper hair, his laughter, energy, and who he was to all of us individually.

Tommy was proceeded in death by his parents, John Ratliff and Cathleen Ratliff; brothers, Jimmy Ratliff and Michael Ratliff; sister, Cathy Ratliff and grandson, Rakwon Smith.

Tommy is survived by wife, Rebekah Ratliff; daughters, Toya White, and Kandice Payne; stepdaughter, Moneka Smith (James); stepson, Willie Smith; mother-in-law, Rebecca Jones; siblings, Johnny Ratliff (Janice), Sally Ann Ratliff, Robert Ratliff (Sandra), Tony Ratliff, Mary “Sissy” Ratliff, James Ratliff; in-laws, Leo Smith, Teddy Smith, Tommy Smith, Shirley Byrd, Sheila Belk (Michael), and Betty Belt; Goddaughters, Alisha Byrd and Bria Byrd, 5 grandkids, 2 Great grandkids, other relatives and dear friends.  

A funeral service will be given at 12 noon on Friday, August 13, 2021 at the Chapel of Johnson and Sons Funeral Home, 206 Fourth St., High Point, NC.  The family visitation is from 11:30 to 12 on Friday.  Public viewing at the funeral home will be on Thursday from 1 to 7pm.

Please adhere to COVID guidelines and wear your masks.

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