He was the son of the late Ralph and Virginia Baker Ratchford and husband of Karen Ratchford.

He was a member of Landrum First Baptist Church and retired from Real Estate and construction. He served in the U.S. Army.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons: Brian Ratchford and wife Judy of Mooresville, N.C., Craig Ratchford and wife Patty of Boiling Springs, S.C., Randy Ratchford of Greenville, S.C., and Derek Ratchford and wife Tressa of El Doredo, Ark., and seven grandchildren, Ryan,&bsp; Joshua, Andrew, Shannon, Sean, Scott, and Kaitlyn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 at Landrum First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Andy Allen. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home and Crematory of Landrum is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary