Clifford Donal Ratliff, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 12:20 pm. Born October 23, 1931, in Council, Virginia. Don, as he was called by family and friends, was a twin. Don’s twin’s name was William Conal Ratliff. He was called Con, or Conal, by family and friends.
Don and Conal grew up in the hills of Virginia, particularly “Big A Mountain” of the range in Bauckanan County. At the age of 8 years old, their father, Fred Ratliff, was killed in an accident, and their mother, Pearl Ratliff, moved the family to Bakersfield, California in 1941.
Don and Conal attended Greenfield School and Bakersfield High School.
Don started work with the Standard Oil Co. in 1950 and retired from current Chevron Oil Co in 1984. During his time with the oil company, Don served in the U.S. National Guard, California Division, from Feb. 1956 through Mar. 1958.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Fred, mother, Pearl, brothers: Clyde, Clarence, Curtis, Charlie, Eugene and Conal; sisters-in-law Mary Lou, Jeanette, Elvia, Eleanor and Mary.
He is survived by wife, Jimmie Marie, sons, Randal Wayne and Gregory Allen; grandsons, Ryan Austin and Rylee Wayne, all of Bakersfield, CA, and nephew Edward Ratliff. He is also survived by great nephews, Christopher and Benjamin Ratliff of Santa Rosa, CA, as well as nephew, Allen Ratliff of Virginia; and sister in law Eva Joy Hutchings of Keene, CA.
Funeral services to be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 10:00 am, with Pastor Mark Heimburger officiating. Interment will follow the chapel service. Visitation will be prior at 9:00 am to 10:00 am in the chapel.
Pallbearers include Randy, Greg, Ryan, Rylee, Chris and Ben Ratliff
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Ratliff family.
