Eddie Ratcliff

Mr. Edward James Ratcliff, better known as “Eddie,” age 76 of Morganton, passed away December 22, 2022, in the Advent Health Hospital in Calhoun, Georgia.

He was born February 19, 1946, in McCaysville, to the late E.J. and Bernice Ray Ratcliff.

Eddie was a Christian and a longtime member of the Harmony Baptist Church in Blue Ridge.

By trade he was a boilermaker for the Tennessee Chemical Company, working for 30 years. In his last three years, Eddie worked as a custodian for the Fannin County School System.

Memories of Eddie were mostly of him spending time with his family on the houseboat or spending time camping at Rock Creek in his converted school bus camper, having made some of the greatest camping meals that he was always great at preparing. Eddie also started a family tradition of taking family Disney trips and building memories that we each share now with our children. We all enjoyed those weekend houseboat trips staying up at Bull Frog Holler. We always had “BIG RED,” which was our boat that we all learned to water ski behind during those weekend lake trips. Who thought some of the greatest memories would be getting up on Sunday morning and taking a swim in the lake to get ready for church.

Eddie also devoted his time after retirement to take hiking trips with the local Boy Scouts. When he was at home, he always shared his love and food with his best friend, Pug. Eddie was great husband, dad, paw paw and friend to many. He will be missed terribly but the memories will last a lifetime.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Brenda Wilson Ratcliff; daughters and one son-in-law, Missy Ratcliff and Tammy and Butch Davenport; son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Susan Ratcliff; grandchildren, Nathan Davenport, Coty Ratcliff, Tanner Ratcliff and Michael Ratcliff; siblings, Ronald Ratcliff and Linda Whittenbarger.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Eddie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in honor of Eddie to the Machque Chapter of the Order of the Arrow in care of Chris Payne at 2582 Jones Creek Road, Blairsville, Georgia, 30512.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.