Walter Lee “Jesse” Ratliff, formerly of Quinwood, WV, passed away peacefully in Albany, Georgia, on May 6, 2026, following a long illness. He was 64 years old.
Walter was born on June 5, 1961, in West Virginia and was a proud graduate of Greenbrier West High School. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Though an unfortunate shoulder injury led to an honorable discharge, his passion for service never wavered. He later joined the Army National Guard, where his dedication, leadership, and integrity earned him the rank of Sergeant.
Following his military service, Jesse built a long and successful career in the tobacco industry. Starting out as a territory sales representative, his work ethic and natural ability to connect with people quickly set him apart, leading to well-deserved promotions into executive leadership.
An avid weightlifter and dedicated physical trainer, Jesse had a passion for fitness that lasted a lifetime. He frequently competed in weightlifting competitions, consistently outperforming men decades younger than him through sheer determination and discipline.
Despite a career that often kept him on the road, family was always Jesse’s top priority. No matter how busy his schedule was or how far away he was working, he made it a point to come home for his mother’s and father’s birthdays and every major family milestone. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer Kines, and a steadfast pillar for his brothers and sisters.
Above all, Jesse loved Jesus. He was a member of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, and took great joy in testifying about his salvation and sharing the Gospel. While he would be the first to say he wasn’t perfect, he strived daily to walk in faith and live his life as God commanded. Known for his outgoing nature and warm heart, Jesse never met a stranger and loved making people laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hobert Lee and Ethel Mae Ratliff; and his sisters, Ethelene Penn and Ardigaye Ratliff.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Jennifer Kines; his siblings, Linda Ratliff of Quinwood, WV, Davene Burks (Richard) of Morgantown, WV, Darlene Washington (Keith) of Johns Creek, GA, Danny Ratliff (Stephanie) of Rainelle, WV, Donna Ratliff-Walker (Fred) of Durham, NC, and Rex Ratliff (Sarah) of Princeton, WV; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss him.
Jesse will forever be remembered for his steadfast faith, his strength of character, his devotion to family, and the joyful light he brought into every room he entered.
A celebration of Jesse’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2026 at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle, followed by repast at the Cottage, Crichton, WV.
Family and friends are invited to gather and honor his memory, love and light he brought into every life he touched.
