Paul Ratchford

Paul Lewis Ratchford 87, of Bessemer City, died on October 21, 2015. He was born in Gaston County on July 21 1928, to the late Charles Price and Laura Best Ratchford.

Paul was a dedicated son, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his church family and spending time with his family. Paul was a lifelong member of Antioch Lutheran Church of Dallas where he taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir for over 45 years. He was also a member of the Lutheran Men and served on the church council. Paul was a member of Agriculture Center volunteer fire department and he loved serving others. He retired from Southern Bell/AT&T/Lucent where he worked for 45 years. Paul loved Lenoir-Rhyne football.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence Ratchford and wife Edo, Don Ratchford and wife Mabel; sisters, Elizabeth Ratchford, Lillie Mae Ratchford; sister-in-law, Ruth Ratchford.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Hedrick Ratchford, sons, Rodney Ratchford and wife Gail of North Augusta, SC, Jerry Ratchford and wife Janet of Stanley; brothers, Charles Ratchford and Claude Ratchford Sr. and wife Jean; grandchildren, Andrea Ratchford Finger and husband Mike, Reverend Thomas Houston Ratchford and wife Hilary, and Mark Hines; great-granddaughter, Ainsley Grace Finger.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Antioch Lutheran Church in Dallas with Pastor George Rhyne officiating.

Interment will follow in the Antioch Garden of Peace.

The family will receive friends 1:30 to 2:45 pm Saturday in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Lutheran Garden of Peace, 330 Old NC 277 Loop Road, Dallas, NC 28034 or to Gaston County Cancer Society, 306 S. Columbia Street, Gastonia, NC 28054.