Obituary - Dr. James Titus Ratliff

James Titus Ratliff went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 14, 2023, after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer’s. It was his 83rd birthday. Jim was born in Lyerly, Georgia on July 14, 1940, to Beatrice Stanley Ratliff and James C. Ratliff.

He attended Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, TN. Afterwards, he continued his education at Georgia Tech where he earned a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. While in graduate school, he met the love of his life, Elaine, and asked her to marry him. She would not agree, and he would not leave Atlanta without her. So, he decided to stay in Atlanta and continue his education by earning a doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering. It was a good plan because they did get married and later had two babies before finishing that degree!

Dr. Ratliff accepted a job with DuPont in 1968 and moved his family to Camden, SC, where he did research in Fibers. Later he transferred to Aiken, SC, and worked in Nuclear Fuels at the Savanah River Plant. His last transfer was to Richmond, VA, where he culminated his 35-year career in Research and Development with DuPont.

Jim had many interests. He loved the Smoky Mountains and hiked all its trails. He also loved sports, fishing, playing golf, reading, traveling and especially being with his family. He enjoyed people and being a Stephen Minister.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Elaine Murphy Ratliff; daughter Erin Mekalian (Ed), son Scott Ratliff (Cheryl), grandson Cole Powell, and granddaughters Ava, Tinsley and Paris Ratliff.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Saturday, July 22, at 2:00 pm at Shady Grove UMC, 4825 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, VA, with a reception following in the church fellowship hall.

A special thank you goes to all the staff, nurses, caregivers, and activities personnel at Lakewood Health Care for the excellent care and attention given to Jim and to At Home Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Shady Grove UMC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Ratliff family.