Willie J Ratcliff, 81 of Bay Springs, MS, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS. He was born on Friday, January 8, 1943, in Jasper County, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs. Burial will follow in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Stringer, Mississippi. Bro. Josh Chandler will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Willie loved to fish, coon hunting, spending time with his grandchildren, and sitting at the Piggly Wiggly parking lot.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Diane Ratcliff, his parents, Will Ratcliff and Mamie Reeves Ratcliff; and by his brothers, Marvin Ratcliff, Ed Ratcliff, and Jack Ratcliff.

Survivors include his son, Troy Ratcliff (Monica); daughter, Melisa Gandy (Kevin) his grandchildren, Justin Aaron (Katelyn), Dustin Ratcliff (Elizabeth) and Kimberly Hand (Stephen); great-grandchildren, Annah Burkeen, Austin Burkeen, Dylin Burkeen, Lane Aaron, Chance Aaron, Chasity Ratcliff, Kasen Ratcliff, Jaylyn Hand, Brayden Parker, Bryleigh Daniels, Bridgette Rowell, and Brennan Rowell.

Pallbearers will be Justin Aaron, Dustin Ratcliff, Austin Burkeen, Dylin Burkeen, Brayden Parker, and Stephen Hand.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lane Aaron, Chance Aaron, Brennan Rowell, and Kasen Ratcliff.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com