Timothy Ryan Ratliff

Mr. Timothy Ryan Ratliff, “Timmy” 55, was born February 10, 1969, in Gainesville, FL. His parents William Robert Ratliff, Jr. and Mary Ann Toledo Ratliff. Both parents preceded him in passing. They loved him very much. When he was little, he had a head full of white hair and everybody called him Cotton Top. Growing up, he was a really good kid. He was very smart and curious, a little mischievous, and had many great friends. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1987. After graduation, he did a short stint in the Navy, was a DJ (Tim Ryan) for a while at 94q and had other various jobs. He married his sweetheart, Michelle Robinson on September 27, 1992, in Wichita, KS. They soon moved back to Florida, settling in O’Brien.

 They had two beautiful daughters, Kayleigh in 1996 and Sydney in 1999. They had many great adventures. He owned and operated a successful trucking company, “Tim Ratliff Trucking” during that time. Timmy was an excellent carpenter and roofer. He could build anything. He built many barns and decks for his family members. He recently built a deck in Horseshoe Beach that was unfazed by Hurricane Idalia. Strong as an ox and smart as a whip. He was always eager to help. He loved music, could play a guitar, and had a little band in Wichita. Timmy was so talented at everything he did. He also loved watching football and screaming at the TV. He liked those Florida Gators. He loved to read and remembered everything. When his “Mama” passed away in 2005, she took a big piece of his heart and soul with her. He loved her so much. He was truly a Mama’s boy. They both loved going fishing. In a boat or on the shore it didn’t matter. He is with Mama now. Timmy had a heart of gold and loved everybody. In recent years he struggled to stay on his path in life. Even though he would help anybody at any time he couldn’t find a way to help himself. In February of 2024, he lost his battle. We Love You, Timmy.

Timmy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Nora Harrell and Frank Toledo, paternal grandparents, Mittie Naomi and William R. Ratliff, Sr., parents Bill and Mary Ann Ratliff, a brother Danny Ellison of Melbourne, FL and an infant brother, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished friends. He will be sorrowfully missed by his daughters, Kayleigh Elizabeth Ratliff (Darrick Parker) of Gainesville, FL, and Sydney Ratliff also of Gainesville, FL. His grandsons Peter Benjamin Parker and Kidron Anthony Mayes, Jr. his brothers and sisters, William Robert “Robby” Ratliff, III, Richard Ervin Ratliff and his wife Kathy, Georgia Sue “Susie” Ratliff and her husband Timmy Nettles, all of Lake City and Patricia Louise “Patty” Gerlach of Lakeland, FL. Debbie and Paul Gordon, Concord, NC, Karen Ellison of Florence, SC., Joe Ellison of Melbourne, FL and Johnny “Buddy” Ellison, Jr. of Ellenboro, NC. Nieces and nephews, Amanda and Moe Albritton, Ashley Anderson, Andrea Ratliff, Arys Ratliff, Luca Ratliff, Shawna and Dustin Lyle, Lindsey Homans, and Andrew Goding, Kit Nettles and Zachary Nettles. Great nieces and nephews, Devon, Dillon, Cason, Laila, Emma, Stryker, Jordan, Ethan, Layne, Loxley, Lowen, Desmond, and Lenora. His best childhood friend and best man at his wedding, Dwayne Romine.

Funeral services for Timmy will be conducted Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Earl Green officiating. visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lake City, FL. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Timothy Ryan Ratliff, please visit our floral store.