Jerry Wayne Ratcliff

Jerry Wayne Ratcliff of Swannanoa, NC went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 18, 2022, just one day past his 91st birthday. He lived a life of complete service, touching the lives of many with his love, laughter, generosity and music.  

Jerry was born to Bill and Lula Ratcliff in Jellico, TN on June 17, 1931.   He was a graduate of Carson Newman College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a degree in music and studied two years with Ralph Erolle of the Atlanta Opera Arts Association. In his 45 years of service to God, he held positions in Southern Baptist churches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana. He retired from 27 years of faithful service at First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA as Minister of Music for 20 years, then as Minister to Senior Adults, Pastoral Care and Associate Pastor.  Jerry was involved in the community and served in every aspect of the church ministry, impacting thousands of lives across the world.   After retirement, he and his wife, Ann, relocated to the Asheville area where they have lived for almost 20 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church Asheville where he was Director of Senior Adult Assembly. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his twin brother Terry; brother Billy and his wife Inez; brother John and his wife Sarah. 

Jerry loved to hunt and fish, cook and eat, garden and laugh. He is survived by his wonderful and loving wife of 69 years Ann Banks Sedberry Ratcliff; Son Michael Ratcliff of Tampa, Florida; Daughter Lee Ann Ratcliff of Nashville, TN; Daughter Marilyn Ratcliff Place and her husband Tim of Swannanoa, NC; Granddaughter Melissa Ratcliff Champagne and her husband Jason of Tampa, Fla; Granddaughter Melanie Ratcliff Blank and her husband Nick of Seeley Lake, Montana; Granddaughter Gloria Ratcliff Thompson of Nashville, TN; Grandson Nick Place and his wife Cecilia of Santiago, Chile; Sister-in-Law Mary Lynn Ratcliff, five Great-Grandchildren and scores of nieces and nephews. 

A memorial celebration service will be held on July 9, 2022 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Asheville, NC, with Reverend Tommy Bratton presiding. Visitation will follow the service in the Chapel of First Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Asheville, or Memory Care of Asheville. 

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