William Jennings Ratcliff

William Jennings Ratcliff Jr, 69, of Staffordsville, VA., also known as “W.J.” or “Dub,” passed unexpectedly in his home on June 16, 2023. W.J. was born on August 15, 1953, in Pearisburg, VA., and was preceded in death by his parents, William “Jennings” Ratcliff and Eloise Harless Ratcliff of Narrows, VA. 

W.J. worked at Virginia Tech and was a proud boiler maker out of Local 45, but spent his best days farming, fishing, rabbit and coon hunting.  He proudly held a Virginia State Catfish record for several years.

Dub is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Lisa Parry Ratcliff of Staffordsville, whom he married on June 18, 1988, and adored since. He is survived by all four of his children. His eldest son, David Ratcliff (Rebecca) of Pembroke, VA., daughter, Sherry R. Brown (James) of Pembroke, VA., daughter Sandra R. Van Nest (Greg) of Denville, NJ., and youngest son Michael Lucas (Stephanie) of Pembroke, VA. 

W.J. was a proud pawpaw to 8 grandchildren, Mesa Ratcliff, Dayton Brown, Spencer Van Nest, Emma Brown, Zach Ratcliff, Sara Lucas (Nathan), Ellie Van Nest and Meredith Lucas.

Dub is also survived by three siblings, sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Ratcliff Martin of Narrows, VA., sister, Harriet Ratcliff Fletcher, of Narrows, VA., brother, Walter (Jack) Ratcliff (Vickie), of Oakvale, WV, and “Uncle Dub” to many nieces and nephews.  He will be especially missed by Ida, his beloved heeler, who laid by his feet until his last day. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 1pm at the Eatons Chapel Church, 741 Eatons Chapel Rd, Staffordsville, VA with the Rev Bob Moore officiating with burial following in the Eatons Chapel Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 at the Givens – Riffe Funeral Home in Narrows.  Memorial donations may be made to Eatons Chapel Church.  The family is being served by Givens - Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Jennings Ratcliff, please visit our floral store.