Dr. William Clifton Ratchford

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 5:30-7:00 PM 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 2:00-4:00 PM 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.org or 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