George Martin Ratchford

George Martin “Ol’ Pal�? Ratchford crossed back over into the arms of Jesus on March 28, 2011. He was born April 20, 1922 in York, SC. He was a veteran of the US Navy; Private 1st Class Master Electrician stationed in the south Pacific during WWII. He retired in 1988 from Alcoa Aluminum Co. after 44 years of dedicated service as an electrician. He was a member of Hickory Valley Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jessie Ratchford and 2nd wife, Irene Ratchford. Survivors include his wife of 7 years, Sharon “Cooke�? Johnson Ratchford; sister-in-law & special friend, Tammy Hutchison & husband, Rex and their son, Joey all of Knoxville; brothers-in-law, Terry Johnson of Greeneville, TN, Van “Beaver�? Johnson of Knoxville & Steve Johnson of Georgia; stepson, Rocky Gallagher & wife, Michelle of Oak Ridge; stepdaughter, Brandy Gallagher Breeden of Maryville; step-grandchildren, Amber Gann, Brittany Vanover, Casey Vanover all of Maryville, Ashley Gallagher, Destiny Lee, Christian Gallagher, Tristan Gallagher all of Oak Ridge; special friends, Phillip & Donna Hayes of Maryville; special step-grandson & friend, Scott McNish of Maryville. The family extends much gratitude to the staff at Asbury Place and to Pastor Charles Carpenter, Louie Branch and to all the family & friends and their prayers. The family & friends will assemble at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Grandview Cemetery for graveside service & interment with Pastor Charles Carpenter officiating. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George Martin Ratchford please visit our Sympathy Store.