Rodney Keith Ratchford, age 71, passed away in the home after battling ALS for approximately two years. He was born on March 24, 1955, in Shelby, NC, the elder son of Paul and Shirley Ratchford. Rodney was married to the love of his life, wife and caregiver, Gail Smith Ratchford, for a little over 47 years.

Working for over 40 years in the Electrical Sales Industry as a sales engineer, he received stellar awards for his accomplishments. But most of all, his love was for his heavenly Father and his family.

He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, security team member, on several personnel committees, and in any other capacity that he could serve his Lord.

Everyone who knew Rodney knew his love for the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and reading his Bible were all a major part of who he was. He was very adventurous because he knew the Lord was with him. He will be missed immensely.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Shirley Ratchford, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles he loved dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Smith Ratchford, Seneca, SC; his daughter, Andrea Ratchford Finger (Mike), Lawrenceville, GA; his son, Dr. Thomas Houston Ratchford (Hilary), Charlotte, NC; six grandchildren, Ainsley Finger, Adalyn Ratchford, Eliana Ratchford, Gabriel Ratchford, Elliott Ratchford, and Nathaniel Ratchford; and his brother, Jerry Ratchford (Janet), Stanley, NC.

A small family and friends graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Antioch Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, 330 Old NC 277 N. Loop Rd., Dallas, NC, 28034. The service will be conducted by Reverend Brett Turner. 

A celebration of life service will be held in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at New Hope Baptist Church, 4010 Keowee School Rd., Seneca, SC, 29672.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Rodney's memory to New Hope Baptist Church, Building Fund, 4010 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672, to The ALS Association of SC, Team Gleason Foundation, or Touched By ALS.

We are grateful for VIA Health Partners Hospice and all of his doctors and nurses, New Hope Baptist Church for all of their support, and all of our loving extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Arrangements by Sisk Butler Funeral Home, 730 Gastonia Hwy, Bessemer City, NC 28016.