Mark Ratliff

Passed 02/02/2018

Obituary For Mark Ratliff

Mark Ratliff, 53 of 201 Ridge Lake Drive in Apex, NC passed on February 2, 2018 at the home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 35 years, Lisa Ratliff. Meeting at 14 years old, they truly grew together 39 years later, “Till death do us part.” He also leaves two sisters, Yasmin Ratliff of Raleigh, NC and Chanda Maria Ratliff of Durham, NC; four children, Daniel Ratliff (Jameka) of Holly Springs, NC, Ashley Ratliff of Raleigh, NC, Sydnei Ratliff of Apex, NC, and LaTika Mercer (Giradi) of Charlotte, NC; nine grandchildren, Kadin Ratliff, Kenan Ratliff, Tyson Williams, Braelynn McNeil, Jordyn Mercer, Tucker Horton, Kiwren Foy, Omarion Robinson, and Jada Robinson; a mother-in-law who embraced him as a son, Louise McCullers of Holly Springs, NC; father-in-law, Lonnie McCullers of Apex, NC; a loving aunt, Annie Lee Dolley; cousins who are more like siblings, Sheila Shannon, Laverne Alinea, Janet Langley, Horrace Donaldson, Rhoda Smith, and Willette Matthews; special friends, Toney Brown, Daryl Carrington, and Samuel Betts; a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives; the entire Ratliff and Ward families; and his Law Enforcement family.

Wake: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Apex First Baptist Church in Apex, NC

Funeral will be held 12:00 pm Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Apex First Baptist Church, 419 S. Salem Street in Apex, NC 27502

Burial: Holly Springs City Cemetery in Holly Springs, NC 27540



Guest Book

The link to the above video has changed: https://vimeo.com/198459026

- M J Jarmon (myranj@centurytel.net)

Lisa and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May the God we serve comfort you and your family. Always praying for you with love. Lula

- Lula Lunsford

Lisa, I am here for you. God never makes a mistake. Jean

- Jean Burt Mangum

Officer Ratliff aka 'Mr. Mark' worked in our building up at the front desk and was ALWAYS SUPER sweet and SUPER funny & he ALWAYS treated me like a daughter!!!!! I will never forget the time that I was parking on the side of the street at work (when I shouldn't have) and as I was parking (he decided to play a prank on me....as always) & I heard a repeatedly loud police car siren and horn. My heart dropped and I was scared to death. When I looked, it was him just saying 'Hey!!' I also remember him always not wanting to sit at our front desk because he wanted to be 'out on the beat'. He HATED being stuck at our front desk and I was sad when he left to pursue what his real dreams were but was always excited to run into him Downtown. Thank you for your service Sir!!!! You WILL be missed XOXO!!!!

- Jova'nna Martin

As a previous coworker & Mims Family Friend, I would like to share; ~~For those whom we have loved never really leave us. They live on forever in our hearts, and cast their RADIANT light onto our every shadow! Tears are GOD's gift to us. Our holy water. They heal us as they flow! ** I leave the Ratliff family love...I leave you hope....I leave you faith. Please know the Ratliff family is in our prayers!

- Melinda Mims

I just read about the recent death of Mr. Mark and I know the Ratliff family and loved ones have saddened hearts today. So I wanted to share beautiful scripture where our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah God (Psalm 83:18), promises us that he is going to do away with man's greatest enemy, death. Rev. 21: 4; 'And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. Isaiah 33:24 guarantees us: 'And no resident will say 'I am sick,' ever again. God's kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for at Matt. 6: 9, 10 will bring about these wonderful promises, including the resurrection. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but we are all guaranteed a resurrection. (John 5:28, John 6:40, John 11:23-25, Acts 24:15, Job 14:14-15) Also, Titus 1: 2 tells us this promise of a resurrection: 'is based on a hope of the everlasting life that God, who cannot lie, promised long ago.' Isaiah 26:19 'Your dead will live......And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.' Isaiah 25:8 'He will swallow up death forever. For Jehovah himself has spoken it.' For more comforting scriptures please visit: http://bit.ly/1K38EFt. It has given me hope, strengthened my faith and helped me find the answer to Why? I know it will do the same for you. John 17:3 Jehovah invites you to throw all your burdens on him and he will sustain you in your time of grief because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 34:18 I pray you will find comfort reading the above scriptures in your personal Bible and to please watch this beautiful video (Song 144) entitled 'Keep Your Eyes on the Prize' https://tv.jw.org/#en/video/VODChildren/pub-pksn_24_VIDEO If you had the opportunity to see your dead loved again, alive and in perfect health here on earth, would you take it? Of course you would! If so, please watch this short, faith strengthening video; 'Can The Dead Really Live Again?' https://vimeo.com/232445509 You are in my prayers during thi

- M J Jarmon (myranj@centurytel.net)

I was shocked and saddened when I was told of his passing. I have nothing but found memories of working as his tech these last few months. Your family is in my prayers. Mark Ratliff, you are missed.

- Christine

On behalf of the State Capitol staff, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the Ratliff family. He was a kind, friendly person and we always enjoyed working with him here at work. Your family is in our heartfelt prayers.

- Staff of the North Carolina State Capitol

My prayers are with you and the family at this time. I send my condolences to you all. If there is anything you may need even a friend to talk to please feel free to contact me any time of day or night. With Deepest Love Pastor Dunlap.

- Pastor Glenda Dunlap

Blessed are the peacemakers. Mark and Lisa were amazing neighbors. Mark will be greatly missed. He was kind and gentle, soft spoken. Never would assume he was an officer. He shared with me a book of his memories in law enforcement. He was so proud of that book and rightly so. The world lost a great man and heaven gained an angel! God bless you! My thoughts and prayers are with you Lisa. All our love!

- Therese Potter & Dennis Wheeler

Thinking of my family at this difficult time. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on family & friends for strength, & always remember how much we are loved. Those we hold closest to our hearts live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives. Sending my deepest condolences, Crystal Johnson (CrissyJ)

- Crystal

We're sorry to hear about your loss. May you find strength from the words of Psalms 46:1 which reads: 'God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress.' What a loving God who cares about each one of us. He didn't intend for us to grow old and die. He thus has made the SURE promise of a resurrection right here on earth when it is restored to a beautiful paradise (Psalms 37:9-11, 29; Acts 24:15; Isaiah 55;11). Can you see yourself welcoming back to life your loved ones? What a joy it will bring all of us. You can go online to JW.ORG and find out more about this resurrection.

- R&R

Lisa, Daniel, Ashley and Sydney.... my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I pray that God will comfort you with his unconditional love. May you rejoice in the memories that you shared with Mark. He will be deeply missed, you're in my thoughts and prayers always. Catina and Family

- Catina

Lisa and family please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Trust and depend on the Lord and know that He will bring you through. Love you.

- Ruby Hawkins & Family

Lisa and Mark were 2peas in a pod in high school .Both were so sweet and happy,quite and humble.So perfect for each other. What a wonderful life they have had together. This world lost a wonderful kind gentleman. There are people who touch our lives at a young age(as Mark and Lisa did mine) ,even though we rarely see them,though always remembering their kindred spirit . I will always remember how kind hearted and happy Mark was. Heaven has gained an angel .Lisa ,you are such a beautiful lady inside and out. I can't imagine life with out my husband, my heart cries for you and your family. May God comfort you and your family through this difficult time. It has been a long time since I have seen either of you but, please always remember how each of you had such a positive impact on my life. May peace be with you. Love , Karen

- Karen Foxworth Pearson

I am so sorry for your loss, Lisa. I can tell Mark was loved at SCP! He will truly be missed.

- Pam Maynard

I am so sorry for your loss. We cover you in Prayer.

- Pastor Jeannette Barnes

To the family of mr. Ratliff I send my deepest condolences and prayers may God be with you in this time of need and rely on each other for the love and support I did not know your father husband but I am a former security guard with State Capitol Police and current safety officer with Department of administration it's never easy losing a loved one as I too lost my father in 2014 but know that God is with you always and them as Angels now will be with you as always

- Richard

To the family of mr. Ratliff I send my deepest condolences and prayers may God be with you in this time of need and rely on each other for the love and support I did not know your father husband but I am a former security guard with State Capitol Police and current safety officer with Department of administration it's never easy losing a loved one as I too lost my father in 2014 but know that God is with you always and them as Angels now will be with you as always

- Richard

Met mark in the early 70's ,we played little league baseball for brown realty at Robertson park, he was just as good a person then and as he was now ,ran in to him at the Dobbs building downtown Raleigh and he was the same.person never changed same smile and all ways glad to see you. I say god needs a two Stoke pitcher and he got a good one!! Praying for the ratiiff family.

- Calvin m. Leach SR.

Lisa, Sadden to here of your loss, We pray for u and your family. God will take care of u,

- Ralph and Brenda Joyner

Ratliff family I am sorry to hear about your loss. I pray that God will comfort and take care of you.

- Claudette Farrar

Sorry to hear about the death of your dear love one.We look forward to the day when Jesus bring it to an end.(Revelation 21:4) What a joyous occasion it will be. Our tears will be tears of Joy. God has promise and we know that he can't lie.(Titus 1:2).

- Evelyn jones

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa McCullers Ratliff & family during this time. May god continue to bless your family. Love, Annie King Richardson

- Annie King Richardson

So very sorry so hear the loss of your love one. I pray God will guide and comfort your family during this time. He will be missed at our clinic.

- Cheryl Burns

Sorry for you all loss you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Former Co worker, Robinson

- Nelson

Sorry for you all loss you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Former Co worker, Robinson

- Nelson

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same. My mind knows you are in a better place, where there is no more pain. You are at peace. I understand that, I just wish I could explain that to my heart. (My dearest friend Mark) Lisa, Daniel, Ashley & Syndey I will always be here for you all....my deepest sympathy

- Darlene Norris-Bowden

As a police officer, id go through any door with him. As a friend his smile and genuine care about people earned my personal trust. As his boss, he took the time to learn & support my shortcomings then encourage those under him to function as a team and complete the department's mission. I very much respecyed my friends privacy, he was humble & had a 'life' outside of being a cop. Its a healthy balance to achieve. Early on working with him it hurt me to watch him be forced to tolerate flagerant racism in the workplace. I tried to convinve him to take action, offered to make a written statment to support him. He smiled with quiet confidence and gracefully told me ' I got this '. I was puzzled why I appeared more upset than he was. My friend shared experence & striength with me that added a depth of understanding of the peoplle i policed & worked for. His smile gave him power, he was clearly kind, not weak. We spent hours talking about kids & being a dad. Some days we would leave the pd 2 hours after shift change just enjoying fellowship, talking & thinking out loud. Ourfriend passed on too early for all. My last conversation with him was to watch my back, Co workers were plotting against me. It was very true,& he was watching my back. We shared the law enforcement bond of looking out for each other. Our words were ' good looking out '. He kept his failing health private, Steve Boraski & I kept in touch, but respected his privacy. I believe he went on his terms. In conclusion, Mark Raphiel Ratliff enriched my petsonal & work life, he served all people & leaves behing wonderfull children friends and many many people he treated with respect and mostly a quiet authority. On several occasions he presented the idea to me ' you dont need to go total police ' on this guy, he cant afford to go to court & if he gets active time he is homeless in 30 or 60 days. Several cusyomers were diverted to tje soup kitchen or shelter he was a quiet advociate for the underdog. A cop with

- Jim

Lisa,you & family are in my thoughts & prayers. Continue to trust in God. He will never leave or forsake you. Ms. Juanita Bright

- Juanita

My deepest sympathy for your loss and condolences to you, and the family and friends. God does NOT cause death right now. Time and unforseen occurrences be fall all Ecc 9:11 . It is wonderful to know that soon our heavenly father is sending his son , Jesus, to solve all mankinds problems, by means of his kingdom coming here on Earth. Matthew 6:10 . Danial 2:44. you remember the our father who is in Heaven, hallow it be your name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth , as it is in Heaven. You see, it is a government that Jesus will rule as King. it will bring Rev21:3-5 It will bring no more pain, no more sorrow, morning, no more tears, no more death , the dead will live again, here on Earth, also peace and a paradise, plus tame animals, we will be young again, here on Earth. I pray for you and your family strength beyond normal, also comfort you will need. There is more. If your interested email me at : russt122346@gmail.com. So I can give you more comfort , you will need from the Bible. It is all Free. Please read in you Bible. Isaiah 65: 21- 25, Job 25:33 , Psalms 25:33, Job33:25, Acts 24:15 Kathy

- Kathy

Ashley our prayers are with you and your family

- Derek McNair

Ratliff, Only God, you and I know all the times we picked each other brains to overcome on the job. Thanks for being a real man, a real friend. Family, heaven rejoice over the arrival of Mark. My family Prayer was for comfort and peace to Mark family and friends. I know Mark is doing or saying something funny in heaven making everyone laugh. May God be with you Family,this day and forever more. .

- Derick

God broke the mold when he made you Ratliff. You were one of the most respectful, humble, thoughtful and honest men I have ever had the pleasure of working with and knowing. Your smile could brighten anyone's day. You were faithful and committed to God, your family and your country. I will never forget our chat last week. You told me how happy you were and how peaceful it was being with your family. Your eyes always filled with light and love when you talked about your family, especially your beloved wife Lisa. I know your family is going to miss you so much. I am praying for Lisa, your son, daughters, grand babies and the many who knew and loved you. I never realized when we talked the other day that it would be for the last time. I am so grateful for our heartfelt conversation, the laughs and the hug goodbye. I am gonna miss you man, but I know you are in good hands and among the best of company. Rest easy my friend. “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded.” ? Ralph Waldo Emerson

- Aimee Fields

RIP Mark. Ratliff Family, you are in my prayers.

- Danielle Jenkins

When we lose a love one to death, it's the greatest pain we will ever experience. We can draw comfort from the Bible knowing it want be here forever.(Revelation 21:4) What a grand future we can look forward to.

- Evelyn jones

Dear Lisa and Ratliff Family, So sorry for your great loss. I will be praying for you all and hope that your great memories will help you heal.

- Diane

My deepest condolence to the family. May God give you comfort and peace.

- Janice Boyce

Lisa and Ratliff Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mark and I worked together on many assignments. A great Co-worker and Friend. He talked about his love for his high school sweetheart Lisa and how much he loved his grandchildren. May God give you strength and peace at this time.

- SCP Officer G. Hughes

I am really going to miss you Officer Ratliff! My sincere condolences to the Ratliff family.

- Sabrena Baker

Lifting prayers to the God of all comfort, that His loving arms will surround & carry you in these days...

- Ginny

May you find peace and comfort in the midst of this transitional time for your loved one. I will be in prayer for you and your family, and if there is anything I can do please let me know.

- Reginald E. Caldwell