HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. - James D. Ratliff, 87, of Madisonville, KY, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013 at Baptist Health Madisonville.

He was born October 12, 1925 in Hopkins County, KY to the late Arthur William and Winnifred Gamblin Ratliff. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, William Ray Ratliff, Robert Earl Ratliff, and Rudolph Wayne Ratliff; and one sister, JoAnne Hutchison.

Mr. Ratliff was a World War II Veteran as a member of the Naval Air Transport stationed in the Philippines, a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion, a member of the Beulah Masonic Lodge, member of First Christian Church, and a master mechanic at Cates Motor Company.

He is survived by wife, Nora Howton Ratliff of Madisonville; one daughter, Linda Lou (Michael) Gantt of Franklin, TN; one son, Darrel Kent Ratliff of Madisonville; one sister, Margaret Lee Jarvis of Grahm, KY; one brother, Clyde H. Ratliff of Carrire, MS; three grandchildren, Gabriel Baxter Gantt, Rebecca Lynn (Stephen) Wood, and Christopher Michael Gantt all of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Rev. Don McLaughlin officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Madisonville.

Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday and after 10:00 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be held at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church Building Fund or to Kosair's Childrens Hospital. Envelops will be made available at the funeral home.

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