Bishop Joe Jack Ratliff

Pappy(gary)
my condolences go out to u and ur family i am so sorry for the lost of your father i ask u stay prayed up and never let anyone get u down

love from your pogo friend lucy(rachelltexas)

To the Ratliff Family,

Bishop Ratliff was a dear friend to us, to our family and to our church. We were honored and blessed to have him as part of our lives all of these years. His love for God, his family and his friends touched the lives of everyone He met. Saying he will be missed is an understatement, because words cannot express a loss of this magnitude for you who are his family nor his friends, who also felt like his family...but we believe he is singing in heaven, worshipping the LORD, and talking to all those who went before him and having the most awesome reunion imaginable! We are certain that the LORD will comfort all who remain and trust that one day we will all be together again. God Bless and strengthen you all.

i was so very sad to hear about bro ratliff. he was one of the best of men: i have known and loved him since i was a child. i feel comforted in knowing that your dad and mom and jerry and my mom and dad are all rejoicing in heaven tonight. for another one of gods saints is home tonight. im going to miss him as i know you all will. one other thought if we all believe what we've been taught we will be together again. one more reason to press on. i am praying for all of the family. god bless all of you and give you peace.

Sorry for your loss. I know that He is rejoicing in heaven this day. We were truly blessed to have been in the presence of this wonderful Man of God. God Bless you in this time of loss.

Sorry for your loss. I know that He is rejoicing in heaven this day. We were truly blessed to have been in the presence of this wonderful Man of God. God Bless you in this time of loss.

Bro. Joe Jack influenced me and blessed me many times at the Lick Creek church and his presence will be greatly missed here on this earth. But I know he will be lovingly received in glory. He fought the good fight and kept the faith. God bless his family in Christ's name amen.

you were always like a father to me and I will always be grateful for that!

I am so sorry to hear about your precious Dad. He was so kind and sweet. My parents (Jesse & Hazel Estep) thought the world of him, and had known each other since they were teenagers. I have fond memories when your Dad would come and preach at my Papaw's church in Springfield, OH (Bro. Cochran).
Rest in peace Joe Jack, you have finally made it home. Love, Sherry

You are all in our prayers. Bro Ratliff was one of the greatest friends in the world. What a glorious reunion is going on in Heaven today! His wise words of wisdom from the word of God and his jolly laugh will never be forgotten, words could never express how much he ment to us! He has touched many thousands of lives as he labored for the Lord! God bless and comfort you all thru your loss.

Maxine and Mark Shepherd

Larry and family, I am so sad over the loss of your dear, sweet Dad. He was always the same anytime I ever seen him...and always greeted me with a big smile and hug. My parents always loved and respected Bro. Joe Jack. I know he and my Dad will be dancing on the streets of gold together along with so many others that we love and cherish that have gone on before us! Phyllis & I wish we could be there.

On behalf of the Greater Works Ministries family, I wish to convey our heart-felt sympathy to the Pastor Ratliff and the entire Full Gospel Temple family in the loss of your beloved Bishop, Father and most importantly, our dear friend. We loved Bishop Ratliff dearly and truly thank God for the years of fellowship and friendship we enjoyed together. Bishop was an awesome man of God, and we share in your loss and want you to know that we are earnestly praying for each of you.

My heart goes out to you and your family.We have you on the prayer list at church and you are in my heart.Anything I can do just let me know.Love to all.

Gary, Shwanda and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your loving Dad. My heart breaks for you.
We may not see or recognize it now, but we can always look back, during times like this, and see the loving hand of God all over us.
I pray ...the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
With much love,
Cousin Patti

We will be praying for you-would love to be there with you.
Tedo

Dearest Family of Bishop Joe Ratliff...

We will miss a true man of God, someone we could look up to and admire his
outstanding knowledge of the word of God. He was Pastor & Bishop to me.
When I needed and answer, he always knew the scripture to give, no matter
what he knew it. To family of Bishop Ratliff--we extend our thoughts and
prayers to all of you...I loved him he was well respected by me..I know he
is happy now walking on the streets of gold--our goal is to join him soon.

Pastor Randall Clutter & Colleen Clutter~

Mae Clutter~~ Mother~

"RESTING SAFELY IN THE ARMS OF JESUS" REST IN PEACE~~

Rev Ratliff was such a joy and I am so blessed to have known him. He was there for me in happy times,for my wedding ceremony and in sad times to. When my dad Stanley Barkley died almost two years ago now Rev Ratliff was there by my side as well as my mothers and my uncles. That was the sadiest time for me and I couldnt even imagine how I would make it through but with him and Gary by our sides praying with us we came out stronger. I know it was a celebration when Rev Ratliff was called home. Another Angel we were so blessed to know and to be touched by. For the family, You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Gary if you need anything please let me know.

From Patti Barkley and Trish Abney

I can't tell you how sorry I am that we won't have Br. Jo Jack with us anymore but the great memories are many. I will miss his calls to me saying Hey, Jo Billie, Have I told you lately that I love you and then he'd sing to me. I miss that we didn't record the CD we were going to do at the house. What a treasure for meany to share if we had made it of all his favorite songs. I made many calls to him when I couldn't figure out where a scripture was or what it really was speaking of and he could spell it out to me with many references to follow up with. He was one of my greatest prayer partners and will be greatly missed.

Thank your family for sharing your dad with all of us. God bless you and know we are just a phone call away.

Love Billie Jo

I can't tell you how sorry I am that we won't have Br. Jo Jack with us anymore but the great memories are many. I will miss his calls to me saying Hey, Jo Billie, Have I told you lately that I love you and then he'd sing to me. I miss that we didn't record the CD we were going to do at the house. What a treasure for meany to share if we had made it of all his favorite songs. I made many calls to him when I couldn't figure out where a scripture was or what it really was speaking of and he could spell it out to me with many references to follow up with. He was one of my greatest prayer partners and will be greatly missed.

Thank your family for sharing your dad with all of us. God bless you and know we are just a phone call away.

Love Billie Jo

Dad.....so many things I didn't get to tell you but I love you more than you could ever imagine. Give Mom a big hug and kiss for me. You will always be my hero and I will always be daddy's little girl. Hugs and Kisses till we meet again.

P.S. I love you more

Teresa

My heart and prayers go out to you all.I will always remember what a wonderful person Brother Joe Jack was.I loved to hear him sing and see that
wonderful joy upon his face.He was truly a man who touched many peoples lives in a great way.Bro. Joe Jack had so many friends.He is in a better place now with all the other angels.And I know my dad and my son are with him too.May God be with you all is my prayer.Please know that you are not alone. You have many shoulders to lean on.God bless you all.

We all feel very sad at his passing. He was our friend & pastor for so many years. He will be missed in our hearts for a long time, our heartfelt wishes go out to the family. According to the Bible, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, we pray we will all meet him in Heaven & all be together someday.

Uncle Joe was an amazing man. He always kept me and my husband Mike (passed away w/cancer) entertained while we stayed w/Aunt Mag in Lex. We always ate good at Mag's while Joe was around. LOL!!! One thing I'll never forget about him was the verse he sent to my mamaw Tedo when my 1st baby died -- Isaiah 57:1 and I would like to share it with you in your time of grief...
The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. I pray this brings comfort to your hearts. From your Pike County Family!!!

Sorry for your loss. Bro. Joe Jack was a Great Man of God and will be missed. He was faithful and loyal. Even though he was not our pastor when dad was on his death bed Bro. Joe Jack came to the hospital and also to his funeral. He was a Great Man of God! We Love him and will miss him but he is in a better place where we plan to be someday. God Bless you and comfort you through this time.
Eddie & Nancy Horn and Family

On behalf of the Lick Creek Holiness Church we send our Love and Prayers to Bro Joe Jack's family. Bro Joe has a special place in my heart and the church here at Lick Creek and his memories will always be with us.

"Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Can Not Heal."
To Jewell Pritchard and Family:
We just want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers and if there is anything that we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call upon us. We also want you to know that, God has a plan for each and everyone of us and God only saw it fitting to complete His perfect plan for Bishop Ratliff. We know that the days ahead are gonna be hard on all of you, so try to grasp onto all those special memories that you shared with Bishop and let it sooth your heart and mind. "Look to the hills from whence cometh our help and that's from the Lord." Remember that, "Weeping may endureth for a night but joy surely cometh in the morning." Be strong in the Lord and know that if we continue to believe and stand firm on the Almighty Father's Word that we will be with "Papaw" when God sees fit to call us home. Alittle note from Demia: Papaw won't need no more candy because he is now feasting on mana from Heaven that will never run out.
God Bless You

We won't forget all that Bro. Ratliff was to us and our family all those years we went to Kennett Square Church. We will miss his presence on the Earth. God has His ways of getting His saints home with him even if we don't understand. May His peace be with the family members.

Just wanted to let all the family know I love you and am praying for God to give you comfort. I loved to listen to and watch Uncle Joe when he was preaching or just talking to people. He was so vibrant and outgoing and made people feel so loved. It seemed he never met a stranger. I have always been amazed at the difference in him and Daddy. One so outgoing and the other so quiet. I wish I could be there with you, it's been way to long since we've seen each other. All my love, Susie

From my earliest memories of different preachers in our church and in our home, you were there Bishop. I loved your laugh, I loved your singing, I loved your heart and your love for life and the Bible. Your excitement for the word of God made me want to read it and take it to my heart. When we were together only a few weeks ago I said to you...Bishop..you know I love you and your response every single time was..."You only say this cause it's so"...I will miss your stories, I will miss your hugs and encouragement. You were a light that shined brighter than any light out there and all who knew you will feel an emptiness inside until we meet again in heaven.
Pastor Gary,Shwanda, Jewell & Keith, Larry and Teresa and all the Ratliff family, I love you guys so much and I pray God's comfort for you in the days ahead. You are in my prayers as well as hundreds of other people. Thank you for sharing your daddy with us. Carry on the testimony that he was to all who knew him. Be blessed sweet Ratliff family.

Oh how much richer and fuller my life has been because of your Dad. I recall sitting at the dining room table with him on Delaware Street, our Bibles open, as he taught me how and where to find the promises of God. I remember him singing, "I'm Free, I've been set free by the grace of God." And, how easily he cried when someone talked about Jesus. I have a picture of him kneeling with Jeremy as they held up Jeremy's kindergarten graduation picture...priceless. He helped my brother, Bishop Richard Hilton, to get started in the ministry..what a seed he sowed there. Since he went on to heaven, I can't stop singing this song, "I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath, And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved You, my Jesus, 'tis now. In mansions of glory and endless delight, I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright, I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now." Thank you for sharing your Dad with all of us...Love and prayers, Patti

Papaw, I am sad that you are gone from us but I know that you are okay now.
If Jesus says you can will you please tell my Daddy I love him. And Papaw, I love you very much. Also and from heaven can you take care of Papaw Larry please. I will miss you. Shalynn Ratliff

For my buddy Larry I want to tell you the same thing to you that I told to Shay. Don't cry, heaven is a good place and he gets to see Jesus and he is happy now. And I am glad we are saved because I love Jesus and he will let us in heaven and then we will see everbody again. I love you, Gabe

Words can not express how much I will truly miss Brother Ratliff or "Willie" as our family called him because he was always "on the road again" to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ that he so loved to do. There are so many wonderful memories that I have in my heart of Brother Ratliff. He was such a blessing to me and my family. I will never forget him. My hope is that I will meet him again one day in that beautiful place. To the Ratliff family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Rest in the fact, that Willie is now traveling on the streets of gold. Take care and God bless.

Keeping you and you family in our prayers!

Love Your Friend
Jazmine and Stevie

I spent the first few years of life at Kennett Square. My mom and dad Iven and Beatrice Steele called Kennette Square home for some time. Brother Brack was my earliest memory. When he died for the second time, Brother Webb became pastor. We followed Brother Webb to Elsmere and we ended up at Pleasant Hill, with Brother Pruitt. But I remember Joe Jack well. Kind and loving man, filled with the holy spirit and on fire with Joy. What a man of God. I remember, my mom really thought the world of him and his family. God bless you and your family in this time of sadness and from experience, you don't stop missing, loved ones who have passed on. After Priscilla my sister passed, I have missed her every day since. I have the peace of knowing that she is with her Lord and Savior as is Joe Jack. That is my comfort. God be with you all....Much love and lovely memories...Shera

We were saddened to learn of Rev. Ratliff's passing. He was a wonderful man with a loving family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

KATHY AND LISA WILL REALLY MISS YOU ALOT. HE WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO MY MOM AND DAD DAYTON AND ROSE CORNETTE. I KNOW HE WILL BE LOOKING DOWN ON ALL OF US WITH MY DAD.

GARY, LARRY, JEWEL, TERESA

"THANK YOU", FOR SHARING YOUR DAD WITH US. WE WERE PRIVILEGED TO HAVE HIM IN OUR HOME JUST PRIOR TO HIS PASSING. HE WAS SO HAPPY AS HE SPOKE LOVINGLY ABOUT EACH ONE OF YOU.
HE TOLD US ABOUT A SONG HE AND YOUR MOM USED TO SING YEARS AGO AND HOW HE SANG IT DURING SUN. MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE WITH DELORE'S HELP. WE SMILED TOGETHER WHILE HE SANG THAT SONG FOR US.
DURING OUR TIME OF FELLOWSHIP HE QUOTED SEVERAL SCRIPTURES CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION. THEN HE AND PASTOR GARY PRAYED OVER JERRY FOR HIS HEALING.
"THANK YOU", AGAIN FOR SHARING YOUR DAD WITH US. WE WILL ALWAYS CHERISH OUR YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THIS FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD.

"WE LOVE YOU", JERRY AND JEANNE MORRISON

I remember meeting Bishop Ratliff for the first time as a young man. I was so excited to meet him, knowing that he and I hailed from the same area of Eastern Kentucky. I was very privilaged to get to know Bishop Ratliff, and honored by his friendship. He will be greatly missed. To the Ratliff family, we send our love and prayers at this time.

Dear Ratliff family you and your dad has meant so much to me and my family, my wife and I recalled when her mom was in the hospital the same time jerry was how Bro. Joe Jack and Bro. Gary prayed for her it meant alot.

Your daddy was so easy to talk to and to listen to. He ALWAYS made me feel like I was important to him and it was just good to be around him. I wish so much that I could be with you all today...I love you ALL

Dear Larry & Debbie,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of all of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy.

I want to say how sorry I was to learn that your dad has passed on. He was so close to you all and was always there for you through everything and I know you will miss him greatly. I have such fond memories of him. He was always such a sweetheart to me. I remember him being one who would give the shirt off his back for any and everyone if needed. I remember his laugh and how he used to love to tease and joke around all the time. Losing our loved ones is so very hard because of the void in our lives, but knowing that they are in the presence of God and rejoicing with others is our comfort until we meet them again. I think of you all often and I hope you all are doing well. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this time. Love, Nancy

TO: GARY AND DARLINE
Praying the Lord continue to give you the strenght and courage needed in times like this and the future to come.

We loved your Dad and he showed his love for us by his frequent phone calls and the drop in visits when he was close enough in his traveling to get together for a good meal. He was always encouraging us even when his days were dark! He made us feel like talking and sharing with us was important to him. If the Dr. had cleared me to travel, we would have been there with you through this difficult time (I remember how you came to us when our Dad passed suddenly in 1996). We hope to see you soon and until then...know you are in our thoughts and prayers Steven, Karen and Whitney

I'm not sure how to start this. I haven't seen Daddy (that's what I always called him) in years, but was very sad to hear of his passing. He was like a father to me for years, and was really the only father figure I had. And even though I haven't seen him for quite some time, he'll be greatly missed by me. Just knowing that he's no longer with us brings tears.
Jewell, even though we haven't talked for years, I still call you friend when I speak of you. I know this is hard for you and I wish I could be there for you. I've tried to find you online a few times but with no luck. I miss you. Your father was a great man and will be missed by many.
Love, Lynda

I first remember Joe Jack when he and his brother Ed lifted me to safety during the flood of 1945. In my eyes he was a giant of a man, who was respected and loved by anyone who knew him. The last I remember of Joe Jack was sitting around Mags table last year as he lifted me to safety by his council understanding where I needed to go in the Bible to learn that Jesus heals through prayer and faith. I will always remember his sermon on prayer at Lick Creek last year. He knew what to say and when to say it. Sometimes he only listened and allowed you to understand without a word, just his faith. We will always miss Joe. We love him!

We are BLESSED to know your Daddy and to know the Ratliff family. Your Daddy will always hold a special place on our hearts. It meant the world to me that your Daddy listened to a sixteen yr.old girl, When I told him that I felt a calling to teach Sunday School. I will always cherish those yrs. We were honored to have him to proform our wedding cermony (32yrs. this June 3rd) He later help baptise all of our three daughters on a Palm Sunday morning.He was always glad to see us when we would "slip" in as he would say. He was a BIG part of all the young people's group back in the day :) The FOUNDATION for all of us from the beginning of our christian walk. He planted the seeds and stood back to watch us grow. He did his job well and I hope that everyone that he touched will continue their walk with the Lord or re-dedicate your life again so we can ALL meet again when our time comes.
Thank you Bro. Joe Jack it was an honor to have known you. We love you.

iv been going to the church sence i was 3 or4 and im 11 now and its sad to loose someone care so deeply about. and whenever i whent to church i was always happy to see him and when i left he would always say good by with a warm smile and a hand shake. he is in better place now but i know its hard to see why he's gone through the tears beacause u have to remember the good times and pray for him and his family

It is amazing how much fruit came from one seed. That is our purpose for being here on earth. Bishop Ratliff certainly fulfilled his purpose, ministering the word of God, and touching the lives of so many people. Psalm 90:12 says: Lord, teach me to number my days, that I may develop a heart of wisdom. And what a heart of wisdom he had! To each family member, I send my love and prayers. And in coming days, as you are praying for strength, God has given you this promise: Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

I never knew your Dad but I always heard wonderful things about him. So sorry for your loss, I know its hard.

Love,
Sandy (Lynda Sinnott's sister)

To Bro Joe Jack Ratliff's family, you are in my prayers and thoughts, as you face the days ahead. I will truly miss brother Joe Jack, especially on Friday ngihts during Homecoming at Lick Creek Holiness church. He has been a great blessing to me and my family and the Chruch,we will miss him greatly. God bless you all and keep tthe faith.

It was truly an honor and privledge to know such a godly man. We cherish the times we spent with Bro. Joe Jack. He was truly a carrier of the light, sowing love and joy to all he met along the way. What a treat it was to ask him a question, then sit back and listen.

I also worked with Bro. Joe Jack @ Bunny Bread.
He was our Pastor at Pinebrook Holiness Cuurch in Kingsport TN.
We loved him and respected him.
Arthur & Regina Vance
3912 Copper Ridge RD
Knoxville TN 37931
To Annie;
You have our prayers & sympathy
Arthur & Regina Vance

...Love and Prayers from the Rowe Family. Joe Jack was a part of our lives that will be greatly missed. His smile and laughter would light up the darkest room.

So sorry we couldn't be with you during this time. Please know that he was loved by many. May you find some comfort in the special memories I know that each of you have.

Love and prayers to all of you, Tig, Forestine, Gary Neil, Gerene, Bennie and Robert Rowe and families.
Belcher, KY