William Samuel Ratcliffe Obituary
With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of William Samuel Ratcliffe of Higginsville, Missouri, whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on August 16, 2025 at the age of 82. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of William Samuel Ratcliffe to pay them a last tribute.
Though William may no longer walk beside us, his memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those William touched, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness. In his absence, his spirit lives on — a gentle whisper in the breeze, a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, a reminder that love knows no boundaries.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Walter Ratcliffe and Marguerite Ratcliffe (Nickel); his wife Caroline Barnett Copening; and his grandson Isaac Ratcliffe. He is survived by: his sons, Robert Ratcliffe (Jennifer) of Boyce, VA, John Ratcliffe (Jennifer) of Gardner, KS and David Ratcliffe (Jessica) of Hot Springs, AR; and his grandchildren, James Ratcliffe, Robert Ratcliffe, Samuel Ratcliffe and Anna Ratcliffe.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Wentworth Military Academy Museum, wmamuseum.org, or the Special Forces Association, specialforcesassociation.org.
