Dan J. Ratchford

AIKEN, SC - Dan Jenkins Ratchford, 81, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2016. Dan was born on May 12, 1934 in Gastonia, NC to Rufus and Nell Ratchford. He was a graduate of Gastonia High School and Duke University, where he majored in Chemistry and played in the Marching Band. He spent his entire 40 year professional career as a Health Physicist at Savannah River Site, retiring in 1995. He was a resident of Aiken for 59 years. Dan was a kind and gentle man who gave selflessly to his family, community, and church. In his early years, he coached basketball for First Presbyterian youth teams. He also served as a coach and volunteer in the Aiken Dixie Youth baseball and Aiken Elementary football programs. He was an active member of the Aiken First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, an Elder, and Sunday School teacher for many years. Dan was an avid sports fan, with the Atlanta Braves and the Duke Blue Devil basketball team at the top of his list. He was always there for those in need, and always put others before himself. Dan is survived by his wife, Anita Farris Ratchford, daughter Dana Thrash (David), Charlotte, NC, son Andy Ratchford (Kelly), of Moraga, CA, and six grandsons Reid Noah, Cincinnati, OH, Andrew Thrash, Arlington, VA, JD Ratchford, Berkeley, CA, Mark Noah, Orlando, FL, Patrick Ratchford, San Luis Obispo, CA, Phillip Thrash, Charlotte, NC and two granddaughters, Laura Thrash, Charlotte, NC, and Sarah Ratchford, Moraga, CA. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Stathakos (Nick). He is predeceased by his parents, brother Rufus, and daughter Carol Asbill (Chris). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 9, at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Aiken, SC, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, or to a charity of choice. SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801 Mr. Ratchford’s online guestbook may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dan J. Ratchford, please visit our flower store.