In Memory of Arthur Allan Ratliff, Jr.
December 13, 1946 – June 26, 2017
Mr. Arthur Allan Ratliff, Jr. (Art) born in Texarkana, Arkansas, Dec 13, 1946 has passed on to be with Father God and His Son Jesus on June 26, 2017. At the time of Mr. Ratliff’s passing he made his home in Chambersburg PA. with his spouse Frances (Fran) M. Horton-Ratliff in Chambersburg, PA. He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur A. Ratliff Sr., his mother, Lois Caroline Armstrong-Ratliff, and his brother, Edward Earl Ratliff, all from Texarkana, Arkansas.
Art is survived by his spouse, Frances (Fran) M. HortonRatliff, Chambersburg, PA., his step son, David W, Gerberich, Jr., step-granddaughter’s, Amanda Gerberich and Erika Gerberich all of Scotland, PA., three sisters Caroline SimmonsShipley of Texarkana, TX, Gwendolyn Montoya of San Angelo, TX. and Diane (Dixie) Montoya of Helotes, TX.
As a child, Art, attended Hardy Memorial Church, Texarkana TX. and later became a member of Holly Springs Methodist Church, Genoa, AR. Art was baptized 26 August, 1962 at Holly Springs Methodist Church, Genoa, AR., along with his brother and sisters. Art always said that he wanted Jesus to come back and straighten this world out.
Art loved to fish and that was really all he desired to be was a fisherman but he still accomplished many other great things in his life. Art was a member of TMI Bassmasters in PA. and the National Rifle Association.
Art graduated from Liberty Eylau High school, Texarkana, TX. in 1963 at the age of 16. He graduated from Texas State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and in 1968 with a master degree in science. Art received an honors award for outstanding achievement in physics at Texas State University. He was also vice president of Phi Theta Kappa Fraternity.
Art decided to not go for his doctorate degree and instead started on with his career as a Federal Employee. His extensive career with the Federal Government started in 1969 at Red River Army Depot in the Supply Intern Program, graduating at the top of his class. Art went to Zweibrucken, Germany in 1970, as a Supply Systems Analyst with the U.S. Army Material Agency Europe. Art came back in 1973 to the US and was stationed at Fort Monroe, VA. as a Supply System Analyst. During 1974 he worked as a supply system analyst at Fort Lee, VA. Art went to Headquarters DARCOM, in 1977, working at the Pentagon in Alexandria, VA, where he was the Chairman of Security Assistance Functional Group. Art became a Logistics Management Specialist at DARCOM, in 1980, at Alexandria, VA. Art accepted a promotion as a Supervisory Supply System Analyst at Headquarters DESCOM in Chambersburg, PA. in 1983. Art became Acting Director for Design and Technology for Logistics Program Support Activity located in Chambersburg, PA. in 1988. Art was Deputy Director for Standard Depot Systems, at Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg, PA. from August 1992 until his retirement in 1996
Art received many Letters of Commendations and awards during his career with the Federal Service. One general from office of US Army Security Assistance Center wrote, “I truly believe that every single person in USACC will benefit from your diligent and thorough efforts.”
Art and his wife, Fran, resided at their country estate in Chambersburg, PA. 17202. After retirement from Federal Service Art enjoyed raising fish, raising American Cocker Spaniels with his wife, reading, planting trees and plants, blogging about politics on the computer, coupon shopping, feeding squirrels on the porch, and helping to raise granddaughters, until his passing.
Graveside memorial services will be at Holly Springs Cemetery, Genoa, AR. 71840 on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holly Springs Cemetery Association, 405 Miller County 13, Fouke, AR 71837 and to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.