Gene Durwood Ratliff

Gene Durwood Ratliff took God's hand on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Gene was born in South Boston, Virginia, he was a son of the late, Charles Stewart Ratliff, Sr. and Kate Kinsler Ratliff.

Gene's life was a testament to the importance of family, faith, and perseverance. He lived with purpose and grace, and he leaves behind a legacy of love that will be remembered for years to come. Though his passing brings sorrow, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and resting in the presence of the Lord he served throughout his life.

He loved traveling while working at Sulzer Ruti. He visited numerous countries including Switzerland, Germany, and Mexico as well as numerous states. He loved working in the yard, feeding squirrels and birds, along with watching westerns. He loved his family more than anything.

Left to cherish Gene's memory are his devoted wife of sixty-eight years, Joan Ratliff; his son, Gary Board Ratliff, Sr., and his wife, Naomi; daughter, Beth Oates, and her husband, Robert; his brother, Milton Ratliff, and Milton's wife, Janice; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Gregory Gene Ratliff, Durwood Dean Ratliff; brothers, Riley Ratliff, Charles Stewart Ratliff, Jr.; sisters, Virginia Ann Ratliff, Peggy Duncan, Marjorie Crenshaw.

The family will receive friends at 5:00PM on, Friday, April 3, 2026, at Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs with a funeral service to be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the Eggers Funeral Home Chapel of Boiling Springs, with Rev. Frank Walker officiating.

Interment will be held at 2:00PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Good Shepherd Memorial Park.