James Calvin Ratcliff, 78, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, October 8, 2022, in a local hospital after a brief illness. Mr. Ratcliff was a native of Natchez, Ms. and had resided in Theodore for more than 50 years. He is proceeded by his parents, James M. and Mary Estelle McGee,his son, John C. Ratcliff, brother, Charles Ratcliff, and sisters Doris Caylor, Jean Brown and Patricia Ratcliff. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Sweatt Ratcliff, who was the absolute love of his life, two daughters,Barbara Ratcliff Sweatt and ShellyRatcliff Meyer, brother, Ralph Ratcliff and sister Catherine Skipper. and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Mr. Ratcliff was employed by Strachan Shipping Company for 22 years, also serving as President of the International Longshoremen's Association for four years. On his retirement from Strachan Shipping, Mr. Ratcliff opened his own successful business, Industrial Forklift, Inc., where he sold and repaired new and used forklifts, as well as rentals. In 2017, he closed his Forklift business and retired for good. Mr, and Mrs. Ratcliff loved to travel, and throughout their lives they traveled the world.. Mr. Ratcliff was a member of the Order of Inca for 50 years and was involved in local charities. He was a member of the Loop Masonic Lodge #895, as well as a Shriner. Mr. Ratcliff loved Crimson Tide football and traveled with the Tide for 30 years. He also loved deep-sea fishing and helping others. He was a loving, wonderful, warm-hearted man who will be dearly missed by his loving wife Deborah, as well as many others. Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliff would have celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on October 20, 2022. Pallbearers are Greg Hickman, Terry Hickman, Jason Williams, Mark Sweatt, Robbie Currier, and Robert Currier. Alternate pallbearer is Jerry Roberts.
August 19, 1944 ~ October 8, 2022 (age 78)
Services will be Thursday October 13, 2022 at Mobile Memorial Gardens with visitation from 11:00a.m.- 12:00 p.m. with service immediately following.
