Barnett Ratcliff

Mr. Barnett Ratcliff, age 87, of Gulfport, is now in God's care after he passed away peacefully at home with his family on December 27, 2021.

He was born in Franklin County, MS on September 28, 1934.  Barnett was preceded in death by his parents, Lane and Almeda Ratcliff; his brothers, Elmo Ratcliff, Boyce Ratcliff, Lantis Ratcliff, and Lesley Hill Ratcliff; his sisters, Lorella Pickett, Elaine Laird, and Irene Beach.

He is survived by the love of his life and companion of 26 years, Sylvia Welch; his children, Bridget May and Johnny of Beaumont, TX, Steve Ratcliff of Nederland, TX, Gary Ratcliff and wife Dawn of Port Neches, TX, and Chris Ratcliff and wife Kelli of Biloxi, MS.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Austin, Chase and wife Ashleigh, Brandon and wife Taylor, Taylor and wife Jaclyn, Graeson and McKenna, Casey, Alex and husband Justin, Zak, Laura, Sara, Warren, Brittany and husband Chris, and Hunter Welch; and 11 great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and special friends, R.L. Welch, and Mark Welch and his wife Patricia.

Barnett worked 42 years for the railroad.  After retiring, he served a term as Alderman in Long Beach and served on several boards including the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, representing the City of Long Beach.  He also work for Riemann Family Funeral Homes for many years assisting with funerals and visitations as well as operating the crematory for many years.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Deaconess Healthcare especially Shane Everett.

A visitation will be on Saturday, January 8, 2022, from 12 - 2 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, MS 39560.  A prayer service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be in Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.

The Riemann Family and staff would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Barnett for his many years of dedicated service to the families on the Gulf Coast.  He was a tremendous asset to the families that we served and he was a special friend to all of us.  We will always be grateful for his dedication and his love for others.