Gary Dean Ratliff, 74, of Kingston, TN previously of Ashcamp, KY passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on January 16, 2023, from Parkinson’s with Lewy Body Dementia. Gary was born in Pikeville, Ky to Charles Houston Ratliff of Regina, KY, and Madelyn Branham Fleming of Elkhorn City, KY. He was a US Army veteran who served in Korea and Italy.

In his twenties, he met Carol Ann Potter of Ashcamp, KY. They fell in love over root beer floats and fireworks. Gary and Carol started their family while Gary was working driving a coal truck. He later worked in the mines until he started driving over the road. Gary retired as an Owner Operator Truck Driver in 2015.

Gary and Carol had one son, Gregory Dean Ratliff. His son, Greg, enjoyed joining his dad as he drove the coal truck and in later years over the road while he was on break from school and working on his truck with his father. Gary was also accompanied by his wife, Carol, as his wife and co-driver, on many trips after her retirement. They enjoyed many miles and memories as they traveled back and forth across the country.

Gary had a wonderful sense of humor. You would often wonder if he was serious or joking. He was known to be very soft-spoken with a gentle and supportive nature. He loved to talk about his trucks, trucking and coal mining.

In addition to his wife, Carol Ann Ratliff and son Gregory Dean Ratliff, Gary is survived by is brothers, Ronald (Sonja), Danny James (Tina), Robert (Linda) six nephews, and eight nieces, daughter-in-law, Kelly Ratliff, granddaughter, Madison Gibson, special nephew, Little Dan (Susannah) and niece Tammie Phillips. He was preceded in passing by his father, Charles Houston, mother, Madelyn, sisters, Vonda Lynn Bentley and Kay Coleman, and special uncles Delbert Ratliff and Danny Lee Ratliff.

Gary will be laid to rest on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Annie E. Young Cemetery at 2PM with graveside services to honor his memory. Jimmy Dale Sanders will be officiating.