William Clifton Ratchford, Sr.

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.