Obituary of Jimmy Lee Ratcliff

October 31, 1948 - September 25, 2025

U.S. Veteran

Jimmy Lee Ratcliff, 76 of Gist passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025 at his home.

Funeral service will be 2 pm, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at New Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Gist with burial at Menard cemetery in Buna. Visitation will begin at 1 pm prior to service.

Born October 31, 1948, in Gist, Texas, he served in the Army during the Vietnam war as a paratrooper in the 82nd Air Born division. During that time, he received the national defense service medal. He was a lifelong member of the painters and allied trades local #130. He loved to fish with his brother, DeeDee and his many nephews. He took pride in farming, gardening, and loved a good sunset from his property. Some of his best times were spent in various game rooms and showing his nieces and nephews how to cut a rug on the dance floor. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan!

He is survived by nieces and nephews, James Bland of Gist, David and Monica Ratcliff of Jennings, LA, Kenny and Suzette Ratcliff of Vidor, Shawna Ratcliff of Montgomery, Shannon and Shana Ratcliff of Gist, Donna and Lee Williamson of Kirbyville, Kim and Donnie Victor of Gist, Kirk and Lisa Martinez of Waco, Keith and Renee Martinez of Houston, Dagan Rutz of Gist; brother, Darrell Rutz and Michaelann of Gist; sister, Theresa Ratcliff of Starks, LA; numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by, brothers, LB Ratcliff and Kenneth Ratcliff; sisters, Dorthy “Marty” Tillerson, Gloria Bland and Vera Ratcliff; nieces, Rachel Clark and Chasity Thibodeaux; nephew, Jason Ratcliff.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers that donations be made to help cover funeral expenses. You can do this by contacting Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home, (409) 423-2221.