HARRINGTON - Richard "Shorty" Ratledge passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, with his loving wife and family by his side. He was born to the late Walter E. Ratledge and Grace Mac Mullen. Mr. Ratledge was a door to door bread salesman for over 36 years. His routes included Kent Island, Federalsburg, Harrington, and many other places. His customers, who called him "Shorty the Bread Man", became close friends, and never forgot him. Mr. Ratledge was a diehard motorcycle enthusiast. Oftentimes, he would pack a tent on the back of his bike, or in his bike trailer, and he and his wife would take off and ride. They visited every state in the continental United States. He was a proud member of the Goldwing Road Riders Assoc., the Goldwing Club, and the Retread Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching western movies, collecting eagles, and camping with his family. He never met a stranger, was a good friend to many, and always had a story to tell. He received his first lap top at the age of 70, and before long he mastered it. He could be found on Facebook, checking motorcycle prices on Ebay, and doing things on his laptop that seasoned users would find hard to do. He will be remembered as a loving husband, great father and grandfather, who always took care of his family. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Ratledge. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Ruth A. Ratledge of Harington; their five children and spouses, Joan Hamstead (John) of Greenwood, Michael A. Ratledge of Harrington, Steven L. Ratledge (Cheryl) of Harrington, John Wilkerson (Kim) of Bridgeville, and Linda English (Michial) of Federalsburg, Md.; brothers, Benjamin Ratledge of Dover, and Albert Ratledge of Harrington; sister, Marie Davis of Milford; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Mt. Olive Cemetery, Sandtown. Family & friends will gather at the VFW in Greenwood. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, visit our website at
www.melvinfuneralhome.com for further information, leave a letter of condolence, or to send flowers.
