Leslie A. Ratliff JR

Services for Leslie A. Ratliff, Jr, 92, of Tyler, will be held on Monday, October 29, 2012, 10:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Doug Clark, Pastor Tom McCall and Dr. Robert Rossman officiating. A private family burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Ratliff passed away October 26, 2012 under the care of Hospice of East Texas. He was born February 13, 1920 in Tampico, Mexico to Leslie Alfred, Sr and Elizabeth Kirk Ratliff. Mr. Ratliff was a graduate of Texas A & M University, class of 1942. He was a great supporter of Tyler Junior College, UT Tyler and Robert E. Lee and was a volunteer for Sul Ross University. He served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII and retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel. Les retired from Carrier Bock as an Area Representative. He supported and served his community in many areas including, Past President of the South Tyler Rotary, and the East Texas Council of Governments. Mr. Ratliff served on the City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem. He helped establish the Smith County 911 Emergency System and served as Chairman of the Board for 20 years. Mr. Ratliff also helped establish the Tyler Civic Chorale of East Texas and was a member of many local choirs. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and also a long time member of Grace Community Church where he was a devoted member of the Wednesday night Bible study. Mr. Ratliff was preceded in death by his parents, first wife June Ratliff and by his sister Virginia Browning. He is survived by his loving family including his wife Betty; daughter, Gail Gravenhorst of Bonita Springs, Fl.; stepson, Joe D. Smith of Chandler; granddaughters, Leslie Perlow of St. Louis, MO., and Tonya Mauldin of Rio Rancho, NM., great-grandchildren, Summer Perlow and Allison Perlow of St. Louis, MO., and Lindsey Mauldin of Chandler and Lacey Mauldin of Rio Rancho, NM. Mr. Ratliff is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Visitation is scheduled from 9:00 –10:00 AM, 1 hour prior to the service on Monday, October 29, 2012 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, 75701.

Leslie A. Ratliff JR

February 13, 1920 - October 26, 2012