CARMEL GENE RATLIFF, 61 years of age of the Slate Creek Section of Grundy, VA, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy, VA following a brief illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of Freda Earlene Matney Ratliff Stiltner, Grundy, VA and the late Estil Ratliff.  He was a member of the Holiness Church and was a disabled Coal Miner.    

Mr. Ratliff is survived by his Step-Father:  Vernon Stiltner of Grundy, VA. 

He is also survived by his former wife:  Wanda Ratliff of Vansant, VA.

Also survived by: 1- Daughter: Laura and husband David Estes, Grundy, VA;  2-Sons: Estil Gene and wife Tammy Ratliff, Keen Mountain, VA, James Carmel Ratliff, Vansant, VA; 2-Sisters: Melissa and husband Charles Looney, Grundy, VA, Kathy and husband Ederson Stiltner, Vansant, VA; 6-Brothers: Roscoe and wife Renee Stiltner, Grundy, VA, Bobby Ratliff, Grundy, VA, Artemus and wife Jackie Ratliff, Grundy, VA, Larry Ratliff, Grundy, VA, Jimmy and wife Angie Ratliff, Breaks, VA, Gary and wife Alice Ratliff, Haysi, VA; 4-Granddaughters: Toni Ratliff, Keen Mountain, VA, Brianna Ratliff, Grundy, VA, Savannah Ratliff, Grundy, VA, Elizabeth Clevinger, Grundy, VA; 2-Grandsons: Craig Ratliff, Keen Mountain, VA, Dusty Clevinger, Grundy, VA, 1-Special Friend: Jean Deel, Grundy, VA.  Also survived by several Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by 1-Brother:  Carlos Ratliff.

Funeral services for CARMEL GENE RATLIFF will be conducted Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 11:00 A.M at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Ministers Bobby Stanley, Shelia Stanley, Willard Grizzle, Mack Fuller and Pam Fuller officiating with burial to follow in the Dryfork Cemetery near Vansant, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Thursday and Friday evening at 6:00 P.M. with Services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be:  Craig Ratliff, David Estes, Lee Stiltner, Anthony Stacy, Keith Ratliff, Willie Ratliff, Christopher Ratliff, Randy Ratliff, Chad Coleman, Keith Estep, Eric Deel, Larry Knopp, and Monroe Vanover.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements.