RATLIFFEben Gerald “Jerry” Eben Gerald “Jerry” Ratliff, 81, of Holland, Ohio, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the University of Toledo Medical Center. He was born on September 7, 1935 in Grundy, Virginia to Bert and Uva Belle (Iron) Ratliff. Jerry married Gaytha Lorena Sanders on October 27, 2011 in Toledo, Ohio.Jerry was a 1953 graduate of Grundy High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was owner and operator of his own television repair business for over 30 years before retiring as an electronic technician in 2000 from Sears after 15 years of employment. Jerry was a former chaplain of the American Legion, Holland Post #646. He created and served as the first commissioner of the Springfield Basketball League, Little Devils in 1976 as well as serving as coach for other baseball and basketball teams. Jerry also enjoyed fishing.Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Gaytha Lorena Ratliff; sons, Gerald Scott (Angela) Ratliff and Todd Ryan (Linda) Ratliff; grandchildren, Alex, Taylor and Dillon; stepchildren, Sheryl (Terry) Losey, Jeff (Nancy) Nonnemaker, David Nonnemaker and Lorena (David) Kruse; 7 step-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren with 2 on the way; siblings, Phyllis (Kendall) Looney, Margaret Sue (Kermit) Rife and Donald (Margaret) Ratliff. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Ratliff. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland, Ohio 43528 (419-865-8879). Visitation will continue on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with funeral services to start following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jason Schroeder of the University of Toledo Medical Center for his care. Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Township Fire and EMS. Condolences and memories can be made at www.neville-funeral.com As published in The Blade