Benton County Memorial Park

Sammie Willis Ratliff, 73 of Fayetteville, died Sunday, November 8, at his home. He was born October 13, 1947 in Compton, California, the son of Sam and Doris Ratliff. He is survived by his wife Kim and their four children, Brooke Taylor, Erin Fisher, Annie Brandt, and Peter Ratliff, as well as his four grandchildren, Kolby and Conner Fisher and Jack and Lauren Taylor and his siblings Barbara Miller, Steve Ratliff, and Carolyn Schatz. Sam was loved by many and never met a stranger. His charisma and enthusiasm for life are part of what drew people to his gregarious personality. Sam had many accomplishments in his life and was most proud of his loving marriage and children. He had enormous pride for his grandchildren and enjoyed supporting them. Sam loved the outdoors; he enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with family and friends. As much as he loved entertaining, he also loved a day of solitude floating the river. He enjoyed playing cards with a band of friends and was a proud member of Romeo (Really Old Men Eating Out) Club. He was a fierce advocate in times of need. He encouraged his family and friends to spread their wings and experience life to its fullest. He made people laugh until it hurt, and he told great stories. But above all, he loved deeply. A private memorial will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Community Meals or Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.