Melvin Ratcliff

Melvin Edward Ratcliff, 74, of Florence, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 5:06 p.m.

Melvin was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on October 4, 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lovida Mae Ratcliff Cliburn and Barney Edward Ratcliff. Melvin served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After his military service, he became a welder and master carpenter. Melvin’s career expanded from working as a shipfitter at Ingalls Shipbuilding to fab shop supervisor at Siemens Energy, Inc. He also helped build observation domes for planetariums. After retirement, Melvin constructed deer stands. He would go to China, teaching them how to weld stands.

Melvin loved the outdoors and was an extraordinary craftsman and welder. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and welding metal art to give to people. When not hunting and crafting, he loved to cook and garden.

He is survived by Dixie Dye Ratcliff and their children Christi Goutierez (Chris), Vikki Channell (Robby) and son, Mel; brother Randy Ratcliff (Addie), sister Janet McCullough both of Brookhaven; grandchildren, Houston Ratcliff (Mallory), Sidney Myers, Raeanne Myers (Bryan), Maddie-Jane Channell, Chess Channell, and Maverick Ratcliff; great-grandchildren: Bentley and Manny.

Visitation and receiving of family and friends will be Friday, September 30, from 10 a.m. – noon, with the service at noon. Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 1360 W. Government Street, Brandon, Mississippi.

During Melvin's illness, he was in and out of St. Dominic's hospital for the past three months. The family appreciates the care, compassion, and support of the physicians, nurses, and employees of St. Dominic's. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Dominic Health Services Foundation, 969 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216.