William C. Ratliff I, 72, of Portsmouth, OH., passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, OH. He was born in Portsmouth, OH., on November 5, 1952, a son of the late Delbert Ray and Louise Vaughn Ratliff.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Matthew Defoe; one brother, Michael Ratliff; and one sister, Debra Ratliff.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Ruth Caldwell Ratliff; four sons, William (Sherry) Ratliff II of Wheelersburg, OH., Jeff (Carrie) Ratliff of Portsmouth, OH., J.R. Defoe of Portsmouth, OH., and Mark (Angie) Defoe of South Portsmouth, KY; one daughter, Lisa (Travis) Faulkner of Wheelersburg, OH; one sister, Karla Ratliff of PA., two brothers, Greg (Patty) Ratliff of Marysville, OH., and Delbert Ray Ratliff II of Jackson, OH; thirteen grandchildren, Heather (Jeremy), Billy III (Olivia), Jeffery, Alex (Zach), Gage, Gavin, Emma, Aiden, Mya, Ava, Lincoln, Matthew and Jesse; four great-grandchildren, Will, Poppy, Aspen and Corey; along with his pride & joy Josie, and several other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be 7 P.M. Monday, October 6, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore, KY. Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home on Monday from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. Inurnment will be at a later date.