Captain Michael Ray Ratliff passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and loved ones at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va after a courageous battle with liver cancer and a sudden infection that he could not overcome. His passing has left a tremendous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. 

Michael was raised in Premier, West Virginia, where he spent his younger years helping in the family pastry shop in Welch. Those early days helped shape the hardworking, kind-hearted man he became. Later in life he made a move to Smith Mountain Lake, VA in the early 90’s and followed in his father’s footsteps and became a US Coast Guard Licensed Fishing Captain where he spent doing what he loved most. From the early morning catching bait, baiting the rods and watching others catch fish. His love for fishing was only matched by the happiness he found in watching others catching the fish and watching the adrenaline they had while reeling in the fish. Most of, if not all, of his fishing buddies became friends, some even became family, and some even became like brothers. He never met a stranger or anyone he was not able to joke with or tell a story just to get a laugh or a smile from. On his off days you would find him at Campers Paradise. His warmth, humor, and gentle spirit made people feel welcome wherever he went and made it so easy for them to love him.

Though our hearts are breaking, we take comfort in the countless memories he gave us, the laughter he shared, and the love he showed so freely throughout his life. Michael will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace in heaven with our Heavenly Father surrounded by so many loved ones that have passed especially his mother and brother celebrating his arrival.

Michael was received in heaven by his loving mother, Tootise Marie Ratliff, his younger brother, Edward Lewis Ratliff, Jr. (Junior), Maternal grandparents; Herbert and Madeline Dillon, Paternal grandparents; Kennard and Stella Mae Ratliff, Father-in-law Jack Morgan, Mother-in Law Nancy Morgan, Several Aunts and Uncles, and an aunt who was so much more Lois Ann Lambert, sister-in law- Beverly White and several cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Kathy Morgan Ratliff, his father Edward Lewis Ratliff, one sister Cathy Ratliff Phoenix (Matt), a brother-in-law Russel Morgan (Stephanie), two sister in laws, Ramona Hatfield (Timmy) and Tina Morgan (Rufus), nephews: Christopher Phoenix (Travis), Taylor Morgan and nieces Rachel Ann Phoenix (Aaron), Delayna Cregger (Kayla), Lindsey Winebarger (James), and Kayla Pendry (Steven), and most importantly he loved his great nieces; Makenna Gunter-Phoenix, Kayley and Parker Pendry and Allie and two special little great nephews; Brady and Blake Blankenship. A Special Great Aunt Connie Harris. Special Fur Babies Little Man (Bubby), Little Bits and Tiny, and several chickens, he loved his pets.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2026 from 12:00PM-1:00PM at Roselawn Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00PM with Pastor Randall Dority officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Roselawn Cemetery. 

Special thanks to Richie with Transpros, LLC.