William Everette Ratliff was born on May 26, 1939 in Alamance County, North Carolina to Willie Ratliff and Gracie Woods-Ratliff. William had one brother John Thomas Ratliff (Abbe) of the Bronx, NY and one sister Annie B. Ratliff of Greensboro, NC all whom preceded him in death. William or W.E. or Dink as he was called by his immediate family was the backbone of the Ratliff Clan. William's education began in Graham, NC where he attended school. Soon, William performed odd jobs to help his family until he became an employee of Graham Furniture Store, where he worked for 30 plus years until his retirement in 1997. William loved baseball and was a pretty good player in his own right. And, he loved his Atlanta Braves. He also taught his nephew how to play and would ensure that when he came down for the summer, the team saved him a spot. William loved family and was always looking out for everyone, as he was a caring, loving, and protective soul. He loved going fishing with his grandmother Granny Woods and always enjoyed spending time with her, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone else he knew. William didn't meet any strangers, as he would often strike up a conversation with anyone and just start shooting the breeze. William believed in family, as he was always there to support his parents, his sister (Annie), his nephew (Eric) and many other family members in any way that he could. He would always ask his young family members about their grades, as he respected education. William was an active member of St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, as he sang with the Men's Choir and was active in the Men's Ministry. William loved the Lord and live by the motto: 'Put God First!!!'

William leaves to cherish his memory; one nephew Eric W. Ratliff Sr. (Gwen) of Bowie, M; one grand-nephew (Eric Jr), one grand-niece (Erin) of Bowie, MD and a host of cousins; and many many friends. His services will be held at St. Stephen United Church of Christ on Saturday December 8, 2018. The viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and his Homegoing service will begin at 12 p.m.