Essitt Lee Ratcliffe was born August 29, 1939, to
the late Will and Lonia (Jackson) Ratcliffe in Arlington,
Alabama.
He passed away on February 10, 2024 at Cavalier
Healthcare in Trussville, Alabama.
He confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized and
united with St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Wilcox County,
Alabama.
He married Rachel McIntosh and upon moving to
Birmingham united with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,
presently Unity Lutheran Church.
Essitt received his education at Concordia College, formerly
Alabama Lutheran Academy and College in Selma, Alabama.
He was employed by Bristol Steel.
He is survived by his brothers, Rev. Kermit (Bertha) Ratcliffe
of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, William (Prestine) Ratcliffe
of Columbus, Georgia, and John H. (Carolyn) Ratcliffe
of Selma, Alabama; sister, Clarissa (Ernest) Murphy of
Selma, Alabama; sisters-in-law, Lizzie L. Hollingsworth of
Birmingham Alabama, Ethel L. Hutchins of Dayton, Ohio,
Frankie P. (Clarence) Boswell of Birmingham, Alabama,
Dolia M. (Rev. Horace) Patterson of Talladega, Alabama,
Betty L. Lee of Pensacola, Florida, Lorenza McIntosh of
Selma, Alabama, and Patricia Ratcliffe of Birmingham,
Alabama; brothers-in-law, George (Lena) McIntosh of
Birmingham, Alabama and Melvin (Brenda) McIntosh of
Beatrice, Alabama; two dedicated nephews, Marcus Abrams
and Roberus McIntosh; and a host of nieces, great-nieces,
nephews, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Lonia
Ratcliffe; sister, Willie Mae Abrams; and his brothers,
Ulysses and Samuel Ratcliffe.
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