Freddie Ray Ratcliff

Freddie Ray Ratcliff, age 83, passed away peacefully in his home, Wednesday January 28, 2026. He took his last breath in the hands of his precious wife of 60 years, Mildred Thompson Ratcliff, and his only daughter, Diana Estep.

Freddie was a man of God, and a blessing to his family and to all who knew him. When he was in better health, he was very active in church activities, and was a deacon of the Baptist Church in Narrows. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pembroke.

Freddie was always a proud American. Proud from the time of his service in the U.S. Army, until he took his last breath. He served from March 1961 to March 1967 as a Medical Specialist after attending U.S. Army Medical School at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas.

He was a member of the American Legion where he served as Honor Guard and served as Commander for several years. He actively participated in many military funerals over the years, honoring his brothers and sisters.

He was a member of the Castle Rock Masonic Lodge #334 since 1986. He held some honorable positions during his membership. He was Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1989 and 1990. He became District Deputy Grand Master in 1991. He and his wife Mildred, were awarded the Community Cornerstone Award in 2018.

He was a member of the Shriners from April 1995 until March 2019.

He was a life-time member of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department for many years, serving in many positions.

He was a member of the Mild Hogs Motorcycle Club, where he and Mildred enjoyed riding on Sundays and always having a meal with their dear friends and fellow Hogs.

Of all the wonderful things Freddie Ray accomplished during his lifetime, one of his favorites was being a part of the Giles County Toy Run, established by his dear friend Billy Bowles. Freddie was the “Motorcycle Santa” beginning in 2005 until 2019. The joy he gave children in the community as well as the adults was heartwarming and always an honor for him.

Preceded in death by his father- John Alfred Ratcliff, his mother- Lois Jean Jones, his sisters- Dorthy Jean Mascaro, Lillie Mae Bailey, half-sisters- Darlene Clemons and Judy Elliot, precious “Angel with an A”- Angela Denise Estep, and great-granddaughters, Brooklyn Grace Dripps and Amberly Skye Dripps.

Surviving family members- The love of his life and wife of 60 years, Mildred Thompson Ratcliff, his adoring daughter and only child, Diana Ratcliff Estep and Husband Todd, Grandchildren- Amber Estep Dripps and Husband Jeremy, Ashley Estep Kimbel and Husband Andrew, Courtney Nicole Estep, Zackary Todd Estep and special friend Kief Jennings, Great Grandchildren- Benjamin Chase Estep, Brantley Alexander Dripps, Zoe Claire Kimbel, and Allyson Dyann Dripps.

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Poff officiating. Military Honors will also be presented at this time by the United States Army and American Legion Posts 68,311, and 145 and Masonic Rites presented. His services will conclude where he will lie to rest on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Birchlawn Burial Park. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Ratcliff family.