Steven Curtis Ratliff Sr.'s Obituary
Steven Curtis Ratliff SR- Lehigh Acres, Florida. Born at home in Canton, Ohio on February 10,1947 passed away at home on September 26, 2025, with his family by his side at the age of 78.
Steve is survived and missed by his loving wife of 46 years Virginia Lynn Ratliff (nee McVicker), his loving children Steve Curtis Ratliff JR (Erin), Gary Wayne Lee Ratliff (Rachel), Courtney Renee McLeod (Maurice) Sean Ratliff, and Shane Ratliff. Forever cherished and remembered by his 11 Grandchildren- Stephany, Jillian, Jacob, Natalie, Noah, Hannah, Avery, Trevor, Mackenzie, Stevie-Lynn, and Owen. Cherished Siblings Billy Ratliff (Barb), Janie Beadnell (Ron), Lisa Caruthers (Chris), Nina Spohn (Danny) Lillie Rentz (Matt), Bernice Saez (Matt), Kelley Esquivel (Andres) As well as MANY nieces, Nephews and great Nieces and nephews.
He was Proceeded in Death by- His Mother Estella, his father Dorcey (Bill). His brother Gary, Wayne, and Tommy. As well as his beloved daughter Stephaine.
Steve's Love for his country was well known to all and something he never forgot even with his memory quickly disappearing due to Alzheimer's. He was a proud Marine from 1966-1972. One who never forgot his fellow combats who didn't return home. Steve was and has always been "Marine strong" even up to his final breath. Steve served our country in Viet Nam from 1966-1968 "Semper Fi"
Having Steve in your life was like having a true gem of a friend-one of the purest friendships you could ever imagine. His love for his family, friends, and Dixie Sons Brotherhood was always so evident and heartwarming. Besides Being a Marine, what really made him compassionate was his love for riding his motorcycle-it was his happy place. He lived for the weekends, hopping on his bike and feeling like it was just him and the open road. When he wasn't putting miles on his bike, you could find him casting a line! He'd rise with the sun, heading to the cancel behind his house, dreaming of catching a massive one. Steve and his wife often spent weekends in Matlacha, Florida, fishing with their kids, creating memories they'll cherish forever. Steve was such a dedicated husband and father, always going above and beyond to make sure his family had everything they needed. For almost his entire life, he was a long-distance truck driver, and he always brought home little surprises and gifts for the family from his travels. Plus, he'd always rave about the amazing sights he saw on our country's roads.
"It has been said that time heals all wounds. I don't agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but is never gone"- Rose Kennedy We will forever love and miss you.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation in his honor at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until Funeral Services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial and Military Honors to take place immediately after services at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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