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Pernell Ratcliff, Sr.


Sunrise: September 15, 1956

Sunset: May 14, 2020

Pernell Ratcliff, Sr. was born on September 15, 1956 to the late Annie Mae and James Ratcliff. Pernell quietly slipped away from us on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at his residence in Portsmouth, Virginia. Pernell attended Portsmouth Public Schools. He retired from Gwaltney Packing Company in Smithfield and Portsmouth, Virginia. He also worked for the YMCA in Portsmouth, Virginia for 30 years. He was a hard working man.

Pernell gave his life to Christ and was a member of Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church under the direction of Dr. Allen R. McFarland in Portsmouth, Virginia. Pernell loved going to baseball games. His favorite teams were the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Braves. His favorite football team was the New England Patriots. Pernell loved to wear his hats and you would never see him without his hat off. He also loved music such as the Oldies but Goodies and he enjoyed seeing his family happy.

Pernell leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife, Shirley Ratcliff; three sons, Arthdale Brown, Pernell and William Evans; three daughters, Arnelia Simmons, Keisha Sims (Randy) and Christina Scott; sisters, Roberta Spratley, Janetta Drew, Marion Brown, Mary and Vanessa Ewing (Don); brothers, Leon Spratley and Joseph Ratcliff; ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews that loved him and will miss him dearly.

Viewing Tuesday, June 23, 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Graveside Service Wednesday, June 24, 2020 11:00am Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Boulevard Chesapeake, VA 23321 Interment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Boulevard Chesapeake, VA 23321 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(8)

  1. reply
    Terina Fields says

    ????????Happy Father’s Day Uncle Pernell! I’m going to miss having those long deep conversations with you about life. My heart hearts as I type this. You helped me learn about myself and I’m forever grateful for you. Up until your last days we spoke a few times over the phone I just wish I would have got to see you one last time. You are a real one and I will always admire and love you for that. Every time you see my dad in heaven with you give him a hug and kiss for me please as I know you will have plenty of stories to talk to and catch up on to him about me, about the rest of the family, and of course about your kids whom you never missed a time about mentioning in all of our conversations. I know your conversations are going to start off by you saying “Oh I can’t complain” (that was your response every time I asked you how you were feeling/doing). I know for sure where your at now…I know you can’t complain…I love you Uncle Pernell…you are truly missed????????????

    • reply
      Deborah Ann Sawyer says

      I’m going to miss you my buddy; all of your jokes and laughter!! Love ya much…Deborah Ann Hunter.

  2. reply
    Tracie Smith-Banks says

    Sorry for your loss, it wasn’t that long ago that we were talking in Walmart about life and you was doing fine. You will be missed by all who knew you and shared some type of memory. You lived a good life and may you RIP.

  3. reply
    Adele “Pat” Monroe says

    I am thankful to have known such a kind, genuine friend. Pernell loved deeply and cared so much for his children. He has always been wise beyond his years. I did not know how much I would miss him texting me almost every day. It seems almost unreal that he would be gone so suddenly. May God comfort you and warm your hearts with the memorIes of Pernell’s remarkable life with us.

  4. reply
    Mary Whitley says

    My condolences to Shirley and family. May God continue to comfort and keep you all in times like these. I had the privilege to meet Pernell at Gwaltney Portsmouth where he worked for me before becoming a Supervisor. We had some good times there. Rest in Paradise Pernell.

  5. reply
    MARTIN BROWN says

    Pernell,
    Was a great friend, person and most of all mentor!!! He was the kind of person that always gave me words of wisdom and encouragement to be successful!! His famous words were “Do not be a dumb guy” meaning do not get in trouble, get your education, respect your parents, get a job and most of all do not go to jail!!! We went to many dances, festivals, amusement parks and of course concerts. He was older than us (Bert, Ray, West, Martin) and he kept us in line when we hung out. I recently saw him and I noticed his health had changed and he still gave me words of encouragement. The one conversation I will always remember was when I had ten years in the Army and I was about to get out, he sat me down and said “ Luther I am so proud of you for your success in the Army and do not get out there is nothing back here but trouble!!! Do not be a dumb guy and come back. Only come to visit” well thank to him 30 years later my success is due to Pernell. The last time I talked to him he was traveling back from NC and I was traveling to my home in NC and we laughed and talked about old times, we talked about the time he broke my arm and we laughed, I was being hard headed trying to wrestle with him. I truly belive Pernell had a talk with Jesus about his current health and Jesus returned with this John 11 25-26 “I am the resurrection, and life: he that beliveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, Believest thou this”. We all are going to miss him, although he is resting with God no more pain, medications or the worries of everyday troubles on earth. Rest in peace my dear friend

  6. reply
    Gwynne Whitaker says

    A great neighbor – condolences to Shirley, P.J., and family. Pernell was a wonderful neighbor and always spoke words of wisdom in his conversations.

  7. reply
    Edwin Snowden says

    RIP cuss

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