Johnny Bryan Ratliff, Sr.

The following obituary is being shared as a courtesy to the local family and friends of Mr. Ratliff. On behalf of the MRC Funeral Home family, we extend our love and prayers to the Ratliff family. For directions or online floral offerings, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.

Johnny Bryan Ratliff, Sr., 76, of Lexington County, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born on May 12, 1949, in Dillon, SC, Johnny carried a deep-rooted work ethic, a fierce love of racing, and a heart full of generosity throughout his life.

As a young boy in Dillon County, Johnny worked at a local service station—an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for dirt track racing. He often said with a smile, “If I still lived in Dillon, I’d probably own a service station.” That spark became a lifelong fire, fueling over 40 years of championship dirt track racing throughout the Southeast. Even after stepping out of the driver’s seat, Johnny continued to support the sport he loved so dearly.

In his teenage years, Johnny moved to Red Bank with his father and began working in a textile mill. However, it was in construction that he found his true calling, gaining electrical and welding skills while working with Daniel’s Construction. His career later took him to Michelin North America, where he proudly worked for 30 years and was among the first employees at the Lexington facility.

Johnny’s mechanical talents knew no bounds. His most recent project—a Rat Rod Volkswagen refabricated from the ground up with a Chevy small block V8—was a testament to his creativity, skill, and pure joy of building things with his hands.

Beyond the shop and the track, Johnny was a host at heart. His shop was the hub of countless cookouts, good music, and great memories. With a pool table, karaoke, pinball machines, and a jukebox, he created a space where laughter and community were always welcome.

Johnny will be remembered most as an honest man with a kind smile, a generous heart, and a sharp sense of humor. He made friends everywhere he went, and his legacy of love, laughter, and grit will live on in all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Benenhaley Ratliff; his children, Melissa Ratliff (Chris) and Bryan Ratliff (Jessica); grandchildren, Courtney Ratliff, Amber O’Cain (John), AJ Ratliff, and Sarah Ratliff; great-grandson, CJ Ratliff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, William Perry Ratliff and Ester Mae Webster Ratliff; and siblings, Donnie Ratliff, Jimmy Ratliff, Betty Griggs, Patsy Prevatte, Bobbie Caulder, and Jerry Ratliff.

A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held at Caughman Harmon Funeral Home on Tuesday July 1 between 1p to 2pm with service immediately following where family and friends will gather to honor the man who built more than cars—he built a life full of purpose, pride, and connection. A small graveside service will be held at Southland Memorial Gardens.

“Life’s a track. Some just ride it—Johnny raced it.”