The Landmark Center in Stuart
Mr. Clyde Ratliff, 81 years old, was born on the foothill of Bull Mountain in Patrick County, Virginia. one of 12 children. He attended school in the Critz community.
Mr. Ratliff is proud to be a Korean War veteran and he loves to share stories of his service in the U. S. Army. He recalls the 28 months he served on base in Okinawa after being transported there by the USS General J. C. Breckinridge. Mr. Ratcliff has pictures of this troop ship in his room and is always ready to “show off” the great ship. Unfortunately many of his Army documents were lost in a 1973 fire. His sister, Carol Martin, searched until some of the information about his service was located. He joined the U.S. Army voluntarily at the age of 18 and served from July 9, 1952 until he was honorably discharged on April 19, 1956, ranked as a Specialist Second Class.
After his discharge from the Army, Mr. Ratliff married Bettie, whom he met while stationed in Kentucky. They were married 53 years and raised six children. He maintains a close relationship with his children and siblings.
It is with fond memories Mr. Ratliff recalls his 51 years as a construction worker. After his discharge from the Army, he was employed by H. L. Coble Construction. The company completed building projects throughout several southern states. Mr. Ratliff shares memories of building a 15-story building in Morganton, West Virginia and a prison in Kentucky. He was promoted to general superintendent of the construction company before he retired and returned to Patrick County. He boasts that H. L. Coble Construction “is rated 10th in its field in the United States.”
Mr. Ratliff loves to share his story and smiles and reminisces about a life well lived and a stint in the Army which helped to preserve the freedom of America.
Mr. Clyde Ratliff is a resident of The Landmark Center in Stuart where he has resided since April 2014.