Billy Ratcliff

Billy Gene Ratcliff passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 90. Billy was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on July 20, 1935, to Colon and Allie Ratcliff. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claudette Landry Ratcliff; his parents, Colon and Allie Ratcliff; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Fredna Crompton (James), Jeanette Ratcliff, and Miladeen Busyin (Paul); a brother and sister-in-law, Lavette Ratcliff (Mae); a sister-in-law, Karen Ratcliff, his son-in-law, Mike Goutreaux, and a great-grandson, Braxton Bergeron.

He is survived by six daughters and three sons-in-law, Judy Goutreaux, Susan Ratcliff, Michelle Martinsen, Sheryl (John) O’Meara, Gina (Darryl) Mullens, and Jonette (Jason) Ott. He is also survived by two sons and daughters-in-law; Jerril (Lisa) Musso, Danny (Stephanie) Musso. He is survived by his brother, Bobby Ratcliff. Bill had 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

Billy was employed as a maintenance operator and a millwright; he was also a member of the Teamsters Union, where he was the representative for fellow union members. He enjoyed a long career at Formosa Plastic Plant in Baton Rouge and achieved perfect attendance for twenty years!

A true country man, Billy was a man of quiet steadiness, known for his warm smile and quick wit. He spent his life working hard and simply lending a helping hand to anyone in need — family, friends, and neighbors alike! He was known as someone who could fix anything, grow anything, and who never met a stranger.

The absolute love of his life was Claudette, and they enjoyed 43 beautiful years of marriage. His hobbies included fishing, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, gardening, woodworking, traveling with his wife, whom he lovingly referred to as “my buddy.” Billy looked forward to hosting the annual fish fry at their home where the entire extended family and close friends would gather, share a meal together and catch up with each other.

The family would like to give special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice and The Carpenter House and all of Billy’s doctors and medical staff for their excellent and tender care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

For those so desiring, memorials in honor of Billy Gene Ratcliff may be made to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Billy Ratcliff Obituary January 30, 2026 - Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home).

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com