William Oscar Ratliff "Bill"

RATLIFF, WILLIAM O. “BILL”, passed away on March 16, 2026, at 85 years of age.

Bill was the loving husband of the late Wilma J. (née Thomas) Ratliff; devoted father of Derek Ratliff, Shannon (Doug) Taylor, and the late Brian Ratliff; and proud grandfather of Dustin, Morgan, and Kaleb. He was the dear brother of John (Pam) Ratliff and Homer (Sara) Ratliff, and was preceded in death by his brothers Clarence, Ed, and Mike Ratliff. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran, Bill served his country in the U.S. Army. After his discharge in 1962, he faced difficulty finding work and, determined to create opportunity, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1963, where he had the chance to see the world. Following his time in the service, Bill left Kentucky and made his way to Michigan, where he began working on the line at Pontiac Motor—where he would also meet the love of his life, Wilma.

A hardworking and driven man, Bill built a long and successful career with General Motors. Through dedication and perseverance, he worked his way up from the assembly line and, with the support of GM, became a certified master electrician—a role he took great pride in and loved to talk about.

Bill and Wilma enjoyed some travel while raising their young family, but he was happiest at home, surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed playing euchre, listening to bluegrass music, and watching his beloved Detroit Tigers. A racing fan at heart, he never missed a chance to watch Dale Earnhardt behind the wheel. In quieter moments, Bill found comfort in watching Bob Ross paint his “happy trees,” something he never seemed to tire of.

Known for his quirky sense of humor, Bill had a way of keeping people on their toes—often leaving them scratching their heads while he enjoyed a laugh. He never missed an opportunity to joke or “mess” with those around him, bringing a unique lightness to everyday moments.

Above all, Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in providing for his family. Though his work kept him busy, his love for them was constant and steady. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his strength, humor, and the life he built for those he loved.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Monday, April 27, 2026 from 4-8 PM at COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. Graveside service with military honors will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11 AM at Crescent Hills Cemetery, Waterford. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.

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