Ratcliffe, Robert Dunnie

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ratcliffe robert dunnieRobert Dunnie Ratcliffe, 91, of Riner, formerly of Pulaski, departed this life peacefully at Lewis Gale Hospital-Pulaski on March 16, 2013. He was born on March 26, 1921 in Wythe County, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Ratcliffe. He was also preceded in death by one brother and five sisters, his wife of 60 years, Lillian Ratcliffe, and grandson Robbie Tuell. Robert was a World War II veteran with the 102nd Infantry Division, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He retired from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association of the state of VA. after 42 years of service. He enjoyed bluegrass music, hunting, and fishing. He was an avid football and basketball fan. He was a super gardener, as was into organic before organic was popular. He will be greatly missed. Robert is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Clarence Sowers; granddaughter and husband, Jennifer and Ricky Vaden; great-granddaughters and husbands, Ashley and Chris Shelburn and Amanda and Brandon Weddle, great-grandson and wife, Daniel and Jesssica Vaden; great-great grandson, Isaiah Shelburn, great-great granddaughter, Tessa Vaden; brother-in-law and wife, Jay and Snowdeer Peake; sister-in-law, Mary L. McKinney; special friends, Darrell, Abi and Clayton Lester, Pat Atkins, Don and Dama Sowers; several nieces and nephews; and his little buddy, Nikkie. Many thanks to the staff at Lewis Gale Hospital-Pulaski and Dr. Pendergrast for the care they gave Robert. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 11 a.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Porter Riner officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. The family will receive friends 4 to 7 p.m. Monday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.