Wendell “J.R.” Ratliff, Jr., 69, of Owensboro, passed away on July 8, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on December 16, 1954 in Owensboro to the late Wendell O. Ratliff and Myrtle Henry. He was a First Class Sergeant and mechanic in the U.S. Army. J.R. owned and operated J & B Quality Shell Station and the NASCAR Pitstop souvenir business for over 33 years.
In addition to his parents, J.R. was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Ratliff; son, Billy Tyler; and grandson, Blaine.
Survivors include his children; Josh Tyler (Krissy), Becky Melton (Blaze), James Ratliff (Karissa) and Dale Cox (Diane); daughter-in-law, Brittany Tyler; grandchildren, Brodie Tucker, Bentley Melton, Remmi Tyler, Austin Ratliff, Miles Ratliff, Carson Dill, and Briley Glover; siblings, Karen Miller, Libby Warren, Robin Ratliff, and Vickie Taylor (Lenwood); and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Green Brier Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.