Ray Dean Ratliff Sr.

Ray Dean Ratliff Sr. passed away at his home in Hiwasse, Arkansas on Sunday, June 14, with his family by his side. He was born December 20, 1941 to Dale Franklin Ratliff and Essie Zell Snowden Ratliff in Tucson, Arizona. Ray retired from Rogers Tool Works in Rogers, Arkansas, and spent his time sitting on his porch, working in his shop and playing and listening to Bluegrass music. He was a wonderful musician, mastering almost any instrument he picked up, playing only by ear since he did not read music. His favorites were his fiddle, spoons, banjo, mandolin and dulcimer. Ray was also a lifelong mechanic and rarely found anything he could not "fix" or "figure out", always willing to help anyone who needed a hand. He loved to write poetry and was very proud to be a published author. He had a wonderful, and often mischievous, sense of humor and brought joy to all who knew him. Ray is survived by his wife of 28 years, Charlotte Ratliff of the home; his sisters, Mary Brumley (late Bill) of Oak Hill, Florida, Lavada Condo (late Joe) of Midlothian, Texas and brothers Haskel Ratliff (Carol) of Heber Springs, Arkansas and Danny Ratliff (Carol) of Chandler, Texas; his son, Ray Dean Ratliff, Jr. of Havana, Arkansas, daughter Rachelle Brown (Russell) of Dardanelle, Arkansas, step-son, Shane Pruitt (Misty) of Hiwasse, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his nephew. Jesse Ratliff and brothers-in-law, Bill Brumley and Joe Condo. Visitation will be Thursday, June 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. The Graveside funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with interment to follow. Arrangements are under the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.CallisonLough.com.