Lawrence Edward Ratliff, Jr.

Lawrence Edward Ratliff, Jr., age 90, of Bristol, Va. and formerly of Vansant, Va., took his heavenly flight on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born February 29, 1932, to the late Lawrence “Pete” Ratliff, Sr. and Etta Phillips Ratliff in Vansant, Buchanan County, Va.

He was a graduate of Grundy High School, Coyne Electric Institute, Chicago, Ill., and Virginia Conservatory of Music (Piano and Cello) in Harrisonburg, Va. Lawrence served in the United States Army and was a Korean War Veteran. Lawrence worked for Grand Central Aircraft Corporation, in Tucson, Ariz., Norfolk Western Railroad and retired from Buchanan County School System. He was a member of Cleveland Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, Va. Lawrence dearly loved his family, his county, God, lake life, aviation, and cherished his granddaughter, Maddie.

Left to treasure his memory is his wife, of 64 years, Betty Goins Ratliff; two sons, Timothy Craig Ratliff of Johnson City, Tenn. and John Franklin Ratliff and wife, Sherry, of Bristol, Tenn.; and granddaughter, Madison Grace Ratliff of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

A funeral ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Rick Laney officiating. A committal service will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Ave., Mountain Home, Tenn. 37684, where military honors will be provided by the Virginia Army National Guard and the American Legion Honor Guard Posts 3/265. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of 2 East at Bristol Regional Medical Center and Ballad Hospice for their compassionate care.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Lawrence Edward Ratliff, Jr. is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).