James Robert (J.R.) Ratliff was born April 7, 1968 in Edmond to James Porter Ratliff and Betty Ann (George). He passed away May 31, 2019 in Oklahoma City at the age of 51.
J.R. grew up in Chandler where he attended school graduating with the class of 1986. He played football and will be remembered for knocking down as many as he could with each special team kickoff. J.R. joined the Army alongside a few of his close friends from school. They shared experiences in high school football, the Oklahoma Army National Guard and life in general and remained good friends throughout their lives. J.R. was a soldier at heart whom taught Air Assault School at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. He loved to laugh, help others and did not like to lose.
J.R. was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Anna Lois George, and James S. and Lottie Ratliff. Survivors include his parents, James P. Ratliff of Snyder, Betty Dawley and her husband Rip of Chandler; sister, Debbie Ratliff of Houston; step-children, Garrett Tyler, Krystianna Aylward; many, many friends and relatives.
A graveside funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019 at the Mountain Park Cemetery in Mountain Park, Oklahoma. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2019 at the Friends Church in Chandler. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.
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