Ralph M. Ratledge

Ralph M. Ratledge, age 79 of Niota, passed away, Monday, October 29, 2018 at Parkwest Medical Center.
A native of McMinn County and former resident of Meigs County, he was a son of the late James  "Jim" and Mary Susan Miller Ratledge, and was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters.
He attended Faith Baptist Tabernacle and was retired from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 43 after 50 plus years of service.
After his retirement he loved trading cars and working on the farm.
Survivors:
2 daughters and sons-in-law, Melinda and Keith Irons  of Rydal, GA, Debbie and C.J. Nicotra  of Vero Beach, FL.
A very special longtime friend, companion and caregiver whom he loved very much, Frances Rue.
1 sister, Ida Smith  of Sweetwater.
6 Grandchildren, Wesley Irons, Shane Irons, Austin Irons, April Perez, Samantha June, Tonia Seargeant.
7 great-grandchildren
1 great great grandchild
Several nieces and nephews
Special friends, Jim Ed and Jean Hagler. 
Funeral services will be 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 1, 2018 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral with Rev. David Walden and Brother Jeff Eavens .  Graveside services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, November 2, 2018 at Walnut Grove Cemetery.  Active Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Cardwell, Darrell Wyrick, Eddie Wyrick, Donnie McKheen, Rick McKheen, Jim Ed Hagler, Danny Wattenbarger and Junior Davis. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.  Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycockhobbs.com/notices/Ralph-Ratledge.
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.