Johnie Curtis Ratcliff, 81, of Statesville, N.C., was born in Meadville, Miss., on July 14, 1942, and was the son of the late Johnie Ratcliff and Blanche Pinkie Ratcliff. He peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, following an extended illness. He was united in marriage to Paulette Turner Ratcliff, who survives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Johnie Curtis Ratcliff Jr., and a sister, Pastor Jerry Lee Chester.

He served with the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a Gauge Inspector. He was a member of St. Peter’s World Outreach Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy his wife, Mrs. Paulette Ratcliff of the home; his grandson, Johnie C. Ratcliff III of Glen Heights, Texas; his great granddaughter, Marley Ratcliff; his brother, Dwight Ratcliff (Fonda); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Barbara Turner of Winston-Salem, Larry (Betty) Turner of Charlotte, Kamau Waalee of Statesville, Robin (Joann) Turner of Charlotte, and Allen Turner of Statesville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, neighbors and dear friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s World Outreach Center, 3683 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107. Bishop J. C. Hash Sr. is Pastor. Burial will follow on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 9 a.m. at The National Cemetery in Salisbury, N.C., with full Military Rites.

Mr. Ratcliff will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, 603 South Center Street, Statesville, N.C., until taken to the church to lie in state at 10:30 a.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 11 until 11:30 a.m. but will assemble at the residence at other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Ratcliff at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Ratcliff family.