M. H. ‘Buster’ Ratliff Sr.

Posted on July 1, 2021

Marvin Hardee ‘Buster’ Ratliff Sr.

Mr. Marvin Hardee Ratliff Sr., known as “Buster” to all of his family and friends, 85, passed away on June 25, 2021, at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee following a brief illness.

Buster was born Jan. 9, 1936, in Perry to Marvin Cleveland Ratliff and Irean Stripling Ratliff.

He was a graduate of Taylor County High School, where he played football and baseball.

After graduating from high school he went to work with Procter & Gamble as a registered land surveyor, where he worked for 35 years before he retired.

Following his retirement, he founded Ratliff Surveying Inc., which he operated until his passing.

Buster was a Baptist and active in his church and community, coaching youth baseball and football for more than 20 years. He also served as a Boy Scout leader, taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir.

He was a member of the Florida Surveying & Mapping Society, Perry Elks Lodge and the Perry Golf & Country Club.

Buster was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and playing golf.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Marvin and Irean Ratliff; his wife, Shirley Jane Lawson Ratliff in 1993; and a son, Glenn Ratliff.

He is survived by: three sons, Hardee Ratliff Jr., and wife, Sharon, of Tallahassee, Sebring Ratliff and wife, Cindy, of Panama City and Bruce Ratliff, and wife, Donna, of Ocala; a daughter-in-law, Betty Ratliff of Perry; a brother, Tommy Ratliff, of Perry; 11 grandchildren, Amy Bentley (John), Kristen Phillips (Jeff), Summer Ratliff, Shannon Mauldin, Lacey Moneyhan (Mark), Terra Lightsey (Blake), Blake Ratliff, Taylor Ratliff, Patrick Mclaughlin (Jamie),and Tayler Williams (Sean); eight great-grandchildren, Blair and Bryce Bentley, Lawson and Grant Phillips, Zachary Rivera, Logan Matthews, Harper Williams and Paisley Mclaughlin; and his former spouse and best friend, Delores Walker Ratliff; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. On Tuesday, June 29, at Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Interment followed in Pineview Memorial Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

All arrangements are under the care of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.