James Donald Ratliff (MSG, U.S. Army, Ret.)

MSG James Donald (Don) Ratliff (U.S. Army, Retired), 75, of Hinesville, GA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Don was born July 25, 1947 in Pikeville, KY. The family later moved to Florida, where Don graduated from Titusville Senior High School in 1966. He later enlisted in the United States Airforce, and then enlisted in the United States Army. Don retired after 26 years of service to his country, at the rank of Master Sergeant. After retirement from the armed forces, he went on to work for the state of Georgia USDA, retiring in 2016.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Trudy; grandson, James (JD) David Alias Ratliff which whom Don and Trudy raised, and his wife Alexis Ratliff; grandchildren, Palmer Alan Ratliff, Averie Elizabeth Ratliff, Amber Lane Hinton, Ariana Marie Diamond, Alex Michael Hinton, Victoria and Jordan Baer; great-grandchildren, Scarlett Rose Ratliff and Emersyn Tru Ratliff; daughters-in-law, Laura Crossland, Julie Waller, and Sonya Sledge; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Alma Ratliff; son, SFC James (Donnie) Donald Ratliff; brothers, David and Kenny Ratliff; and niece, Karah Howe.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022 at Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, GA.

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is handling the arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.