JOE BARRY RATCLIFF

1933-2017

Joe Barry Ratcliff, 83, born August 19, 1933 to Samuel and Marie Ratcliff in Amarillo, TX passed away May 28, 2017. Joe was a former resident of Houston, TX, Clear Lake, TX and 35 + year resident of Austin, TX. Joe moved to Katy, TX to be near his daughter and her family and was a resident of The Legacy at Falcon Point. Joe was a 1951 graduate from Kress High School in Kress, TX. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. He was awarded several awards including an outstanding marksman in his platoon 143. After that, he attended the University of Texas and earned a BBA in 1958. He was a true lifelong fan of the Longhorns. He began a 30+ year career at IBM working in Dallas, Ft Worth, Beaumont, Houston, and finally his favorite city, Austin. His retirement was full of trips across the countryside with Carolyn, golfing, taking major walks every day, crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and becoming a grandfather. His carefree attitude and politeness will never be forgotten. One highlight of his later years was when his group of friends got together and gave him a gift of riding in a WWII AT6 pilot training plane for his 70th birthday. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Richard Ratcliff, his wife of 42 years Carolyn. He is survived by his son, Barry Ratcliff and wife Juliana, daughter Stacy Frank and husband Russell, grandsons Jason Frank and wife Chanda, Connor Frank and wife Michelle. Sisters-InLaw Ginger Rodriguez and Barbara Johnson, BrothersIn-Law John R. Johnson, James Johnson and wife Kathy, Frank X. Rodriguez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held, Friday, June 9, 2017 at 12:00pm at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038 with a committal service to follow to the Houston National Cemetery.