Bennett Harold Ratliff I

Bennett Harold Ratliff I, born on December 5, 1938, in Pikeville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. 

Ben, “Gentle Ben”, was a truck driver for many years and owned and operated The Duck Inn Tavern in Dayton Ohio. He loved the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and THE Ohio State Buckeyes. He was an avid fan of motor racing and loved going to the Dayton Speedway and Kilkare Speedway. Most of all, he loved having fun with family and friends, of which he was blessed with many of both.

Bennett was preceded in death by his parents, Monis and Jewel Ratliff; wife, Judy Ratliff; sister, Sandra Osborne; brother, Gary "Moe" Ratliff; and son-in-law, James Greene. 

He is survived by his sister, Rita Sue Northern; children, Angela Greene, Bennett (Maria) Ratliff II, James (Jenny) Ratliff and Jamie Morrison; five grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Greene, Ashley Mauro, Rick (Natalie) Greene, Bennett Ratliff III, and Lillian Ratliff; eight great-grandchildren, Salvatore, Gianna, Leonardo, Joseph (JJ), Arabella, Jackson, Ellison, and Sebastian ; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459). Funeral Service will begin at 7 pm. A graveside service will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 10 am at Woodland Cemetery (118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, OH 45409).

Bennett was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, whose legacy will live on through his family and friends. As the family gathers to celebrate Bennett's life, they invite all who knew him to join in remembrance of a life well-lived.

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