Dr. William Clifton Ratchford, Sr, 89, Resident of Ooltewah, TN, went to his heavenly home November 13, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and church statesman.His notable ministry in the Church of God included local, state and international levels; serving as pastor, State Administration Bishop; Nebraska, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia and Illinois; Assistant and General Director of the International Evangelism and Home Missions Department, and various Department Boards. For the past seven years he has dedicated his focus, through Harvest Hands Ministries, to fund orphanages in India, Africa, Congo and Bangladesh.He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; parents Reverend Benjamin Arthur and Lena Myrtle Ruff Ratchford; son, Pastor David Arthur Ratchford; beloved first wife, Monte Gray Ratchford; siblings, Syble King and Geraldine Lindblad; and great grandson, Zion Samuel Ratchford.He is survived by wife, Oleda Atkinson Ratchford; son, Reverend William “Bill” Ratchford (Kathy) Bristol, TN; daughter-in-law, Robin (Rick) Dill, Ashland, VA; grandchildren: Lesley (Richard) Keyes, Johnson City, TN; Amanda (Junior) Saint Val, Lake Worth, FL; Monte Ratchford, Bristol, TN; Emily Ratchford, Bristol TN; Will Ratchford III, San Bernadino, CA; Reverend Benjamin (Laura) Ratchford, Granite City, IL; Jayla (Matt) Johnston, Granite City, IL; Anna (Matt) Graham, Richmond, VA; Charis (Zach) Henrico, VA; several great grandchildren, family members and friends.Celebration of Life will be Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM with Pastor Benjamin Ratchford, Dr. Tim Hill, and Dr. Steve Ball officiating. Visitation will be from 500PM at the Metropolitan Tabernacle Church, Chattanooga, TN. Jim Rush Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. The service will be live streamed at: www.metrotab.net.The family will be receiving friends on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 200PM at White’s Funeral Home, Weatherford, TX. There will be a private burial following.In lieu of flowers, the family requests tributes be made to Harvest Hands Ministries: online at www.wcratchford.orgor via mail 3712 Johnson Road, Granite City, IL 62040 or Church of God World Missions #650134. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Ratchford family by going to www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com________________
Prayers for a Soldier of the Cross’s family, church and friends. Sad when good leaders pass on…..________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Thanks so much, CoJack. Bro. Ratchford was a long-time friend of our family. He was the Overseer that appointed my dad to his first church in Grand Island, Nebraska in the early 70’s. Bro. Ratchford traveled with our organization as an evangelist for some 20 years. Our Board has by unanimous Corporate Resolution declared Thursday, November 16, 2023 to be a day of remembrance within the World Class Cities, Inc. ministry worldwide to honor and celebrate the life and contributions of W. C. Ratchford to WCCM and God’s Kingdom. He was certainly an incredibly accomplished Kingdom Builder.Here’s our Resolution if you’re interested in reading more________________
Thanks especially for the picture. I did meet him many years ago when he was much younger. I cannot even remember in which state. WE lived in 4 of the states where he was overseer. It must have been one of them. I have never stayed planted more than 2 yrs at a time. LOL________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/