Delbert Joseph Ratliff, (AKA, Big Red, Big D and Bandsaw) 68, of Craigsville, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 UPMC Hospice House, Pittsburgh after an extended illness. He was born February 28, 1952 in Webster Springs, a son of the late Lawrence and Jessie Palmer Ratliff.

Delbert was a general contractor for over 40 years. He had a love for building and worked on many houses and business over the years. He was a 1970 graduate of Webster Springs High School and earned a basketball scholarship to at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He had a love for all sports, but especially basketball and softball. He played, coached and sponsored many teams over the years. His passion for basketball was shared with many as he organized the summer youth and men’s basketball league, coached in the women’s adult league and later served as the Head Coach of the Webster County Highlanders Boy’s Basketball Team. He developed a special bond with many of those he coached and passed his love of the game on to many of his players. Delbert was a people person and enjoyed talking  sports.  He was an avid WVU Mountaineer fan. He attended of the Holly River Baptist Church.

Surviving are his children Stephanie Hamrick of Webster Springs, Chandler Ratliff of Mullins, WV and stepson Josh Vance of Craigsville, companion Debbie Vance, siblings, Betty (Alfred) Clay of Webster Springs and Rondlynn Cool of Diana, grandchildren, Seth (Alissa) Clayton, Garrett Hamrick, Issac Hamrick, Lilly Ratliff, Haylee Vance and Paytron Vance, great-grandchildren, Callahan and Tucker Clayton and many other friends and former players are left to mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, children, Kisten Ratliff, stepson Zack Vance and brother, Dallas “Buddy” Ratliff preceded him in death.

Services will be held at 3:00pm Monday, June 15, 2020 at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen with his nephew Pastor Michael Cool officiating. Burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery, Webster Springs. Friends may join the family from 1:00 until time of the service Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Morris Funeral Home P.O. Box 267 Cowen, WV 26206 to help with funeral expenses.

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

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic we recommend following the state and CDC guidelines for social distancing.

Services are entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.