Cecil Ratliff Jr., age 69, of Waynesboro, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026.

Born and raised in Waynesboro, Cecil lived a life defined by kindness, creativity, laughter, and deep love for his family. After graduating Wilson Memorial High School in 1974, he proudly served in the United States Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist. Cecil was a skilled tradesman who worked in excavating for over 30 years, earning respect for his work ethic and craftsmanship.

Beyond service and his profession, he was a man of many talents and passions. He was a gifted artist, an unstoppable cornhole player, and someone who loved to sing, dance, and truly enjoy life. Cecil never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone as if they were an old friend. His larger than life personality matched his distinctive and infectious laugh, which could be heard for blocks.

He was especially known for his love of cooking and feeding people. His favorite saying was, “If you come to my home hungry and leave hungry, that’s your fault.” His home and heart were always open. Many people, young and old, lovingly called him Brother, Uncle, Pappy, and Friend.

Cecil is survived by sisters Laveita Vaughn and Delzora Diggs, brothers James Ratliff and Eddie Critzer, along with five daughters: Tabitha Woodson, Crystal Brown De Steno, Misty Ratliff, Carrie Ratliff, and Anna Helmick. He was a proud grandfather to Draven Patterson, Lewis K. Johnson Jr. (KJ), Jordan Ratliff, Ahyan McCarthy, Kal-El McCarthy, Siena De Steno, and Damiano De Steno. Cecil was a Pappy to many, and loved everyone dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marion Edith Mitchell; his father, Cecil Ratliff; his sisters, Valda Ratliff and Cecilia Ratliff; and many other beloved aunts and uncles.

Above all else, Cecil was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, a role he cherished more than any other. His warmth, humor, generosity, and larger-than-life spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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