Charles Edward Ratcliffe

Charles Edward Ratcliffe, 68, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Born April 2, 1945 in Pearisburg, VA to the late Ward Benjamin Ratcliffe Sr. and Catherine Elizabeth Stevens. Eddie was raised in Williamsburg and attended James Blair High School. Eddie then joined the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Ashtabula. After leaving the service, Eddie returned to Virginia in 1966 to marry the love of his life, Rose Marie Lopez.

Mr. Ratcliffe started his civilian career as a service technician in the boiler room at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Still feeling the need to serve his country, Eddie joined the US Army Reserves and was voted Drill Sargent of the year in 1982. During his 37 years at Colonial Williamsburg Eddie received his electronic certification, worked in the electronics department, and became a Master Electrician. At the end of his career he was a Foreman of the Mechanical Operations Maintenance Department and was in charge of Operations for many of the merchants on Duke of Gloucester Street where he made many lifelong friends. Eddie was a person of high integrity who was always the first one to offer to help and the last one to ask for it. As a true outdoorsman he was also known for his love of hunting, fishing, and could often be found on his boat or in the woods. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren as well as his entire family will leave a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.

Eddie was preceded in death by 3 sisters; Brenda Tuck, Sandra Clausen, and Pennie Crow and one brother; William Ratcliffe.

His memory is left to be cherished by his loving wife of 47 years Rose Marie Ratcliffe, two daughters Karen Marie Daniels and her husband Robert, Debra Anne Rony and her husband Paul, and five grandchildren; Ashleigh, William, and Summer Daniels and Chase and Paige Rony.

He is also survived by 3 brothers; Ward B. Ratcliffe and his wife Norma, Robert Ratcliffe and his wife Linda, Larry Ratcliffe and his wife Shirley, and one sister Beverly Smith and her husband Greg as well as a host of other loving family.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 14 from 5-7 pm at Bucktrout Funeral Home.

Services will be conducted by family Ministers Micah Steele and Kevin Shirey, Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Bucktrout Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to University of Virginia – Lung Transplant Program, PO Box 400807 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4194