Virgil Clark Ratliffe

As a courtesy to the family of former Wadesboro resident, Clarke Ratliff, Jr., we have shared his obituary. Virgil Clark Ratliffe Jr. passed away on Sunday May 6th, and leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity. He was a loving companion to his longtime girlfriend, and a devoted father and grandfather. Clark always liked to bear gifts, and preferred to give rather than receive. No occasion was necessary. He would go out of his way to buy something special for a friend or family member just because he was thinking of them. He blessed many lives and will be deeply missed. Clark was born in Charleston, SC on April 2, 1944, and raised in Western NC before he moved to Wadesboro, NC. He spent many years in Mt. Airy, NC while his children were young no wonder he was such a big fan of The Andy Griffith Show! Clark lived in Mt. Gilead, NC before relocating to Hickory. Clark had a wide variety of careers and interests. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree from Gardner Webb University. He served in the US Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Clark was a corporate pilot for many years, and continued to fly recreationally and as a flight instructor for many years after. He left corporate flying to take over Eagle Insulation, a company that was founded by his parents, VC and Kathleen Ratliffe. Years later he enjoyed the broadcast industry as president of Long Pine Broadcasting and owner and operator of WADE, AM radio in Wadesboro, NC. He was the president of the Anson County chapter of the American Cancer Society in Wadesboro. He later taught courses at Montgomery Community College and the Brown Creek Correctional Institution outside of Wadesboro. Clark was an avid golfer. He was a dog lover, and especially loved his Golden Retriever Smiley and the 5 dogs he shared with Lori. He enjoyed buying and selling cars. He had a vintage blue convertible Cadillac in which he took his kids to the Carolina Cup horse races for many years. He loved old TV shows and black and white movies. He enjoyed taking little road trips with Lori, and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Clark is survived by his companion and love Lori Rosenbalm, son Gene Ratliffe (Tami), daughter Ann Sommer (Keith) and grandchildren Ryan Ratliffe and Lily and Logan Sommer. Memorial Service will be held at the Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory, NC on Saturday May 12, 2018 at 3:00. The family will receive friends before the service beginning at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (800-227-2345 or cancer.org or PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123) or the Humane Society of Catawba County (catawbahumane.org or 3224 20th Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602).