Funeral service for Eddie Joe Ratcliff, 75, of Marshall will be held 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2012 in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with Bro. Ron Segers officiating. Interment will follow in Piney Cemetery, Harleton. A time of visitation will be held 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2012 at Downs Funeral Home. Mr. Ratcliff passed away July 4, 2012 in Jefferson. Eddie Joe Ratcliff was born March 12, 1937 in Marshall to J.L. and Nannie Marie Smith Ratcliff. He was a graduate of Marshall High School. Eddie was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He enjoyed Maverick football, and helped start the Little League Football in Marshall. Eddie served his country in the USArmy, and served his state and community as a Police Chief in Tatum and as a City Marshall in Easton. He was co-owner of Ratcliff Fish & Oyster Company. Eddie is survived by sons: James Ratcliff III and wife Alicia of Marshall, Michael R. Ratcliff, Sr. and wife Kynda of Crowley, Eddie Joe Ratcliff, Jr. and wife Tracy of Marshall, Stephen B. Ratcliff and wife Jennifer of Marshall, Jeffrey Ratcliff of Marshall; daughters, Theresa Abernathey and husband Austin of Marshall, Kimberly Ratcliff Hopkins and husband Wes of Marshall, Jo Evelyn Cecil; sister, Janette Creasy and husband Roger of Marshall; 27 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and a special friend Patsy Scott of Marshall. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, J.L. Ratcliff, Jr. and Nannie Marie Ratcliff, and his brother Harold Wayne Ratcliff, Sr.