Buford Lester Ratcliff, Sr. age 81 of Martinsville died Thursday July 4, 2013 at his home. He was born Dec. 20, 1931 in Henry, VA to the late Jessie Lester and Hazel Virginia Whitlow Ratcliff. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by one son Steven Ratcliff.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and retired after more than 25 years as a sales rep for Union Special Machine Corp. in Chicago.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years Janet Ratcliff of the home, four sons, Mike Ratcliff and B.L. Ratcliff, Jr. of Martinsville, Chris Ratcliff of Fuquay Varina, and Mark Bowman of Gloucester, one daughter, Donna Jackson of Martinsville, one brother Harvey Wilson Ratcliff of Martinsville, one sister, Marie R. DeHart of Martinsville, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

The funeral service will be Saturday July 6, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Roselawn Chapel with Pastor Bobby Rakes officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with military graveside honors by the Martinsville/Henry County Veterans Honor Guard
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday July 5, 2013 in the Chapel at Roselawn, and at other times at the home on 115 Burch Drive, Martinsville.

Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home.