Derrik Ratliff

OBITUARY “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 Derrik Ratliff was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 12, 1950, the oldest of six children born to the late Alexander and Helen Overton Ratliff. He was reared in a caring and loving family. He received his early education in the New York City Public School system and graduated from East New York Vocational-Technical High School in June 1969. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and following in the footsteps of his older cousin, Alex, who preceded him in death, he converted to Catholicism. Derrik entered the United States Navy in 1970. His military career took him to Africa, Japan, Vietnam and San Diego, California, to name a few. He was honorably discharged in 1990 in Seattle, Washington. He stayed in Seattle and worked for the United States Postal Service for 15 years. In 2012, he moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina where he would call home until his death. Derrik was an avid stamp collector and loved to attend the various philatelic displays. He was a staunch New York Yankees fan and he travelled numerous times to Canada to watch them play the Toronto Blue Jays. In keeping with his military service, he became a Life Member of VFW 6060-North Carolina where served on the Honor Guard Detail. He loved to be around family and host family gatherings. The favorite was the Super Bowl parties, where “the master of the grill” would bar-b-que all kinds of meat and fry fish accompanied with all the trimmings. Derrik was a private person; however, no one was more kind-hearted and compassionate as he. He was a beautiful spirit. Sunday morning, August 16, 2020, God reaped the harvest seed we affectionately called Derrik, Uncle Derrik and Cuz from labor to the place prepared for him by Jesus Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Warren Ratliff, Alexander Ratliff III and Elliott Ratliff. Derrik leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Mrs. Deborah Woodberry (Willie) of New York, New York and Mrs. Nicole Browder (Lawrence) of Warwick, New York; one niece, Erica Ratliff; eight nephews, Alexander Ratliff IV, Roy Ratliff, Elliott Ratliff, Jr., Brandon Woodberry, Cory Ratliff, Eric Ratliff, Taylor Woodberry and John Latimore; 10 great nieces and nephews; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Cynthia Ratliff of Queens, New York, Mrs. Yvonne Ratliff of Brooklyn, New York and Ms. Rosalin Liles of Durham, North Carolina; one aunt, Mrs. Valerie Ratliff of Brooklyn, New York; two devoted cousins, Michael Allen and Lativia Allen; and a host of cousins and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten. God looked around His garden and saw an empty space. Then He looked down upon the earth and saw his weary face. He wrapped His arms around him and lifted him to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best. Funeral Service will Saturday Agust 22 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Nick Cottrill officiating followed by military honors by VFW 6060. Viewing will be Friday August 21, 2020 from 6:00 until 8:00 P. M. in the funeral home chapel. Condolences may be made to the family at www.robinsonfuneralandcremation.com. The servvice will be live streamed. A. C. Robinson & Son Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Ratliff Family Lovingly, The Family