National Cemetery of the Alleghenies

Added most recent photo in list, from 2008.

George David Ratliff Jr.

born August 25, 1929 at his grandmother’s home
died January 21, 2024 of cardiac and kidney problems

General
George is survived by his wife Jeanne of 73 years, sons Eric and Alan, and brother Jack.  Jeanne and George met in the Library of Congress in Washington DC.  He worked as a civil engineer till 1980.  After that he was a shop keeper, owner of Frame Outlet in Forest Hills, PA.  Born in Kosciusko MS, he lived in Jackson, Washington DC, Cincinnati OH, Saint Louis, MO.  He and Jeanne bought their 2nd home in Pittsburgh, PA area (Churchill Borough) in 1963.  He had red hair as a child that changed to brown as he became a 5’ 11” foot 150 pound adult.

Education and Career (the consummate engineer)
He got his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1952.  After Graduation, he was a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service.  In 1957 he began work at Granco Steel in Saint Louis, MO and bought a new home.  In 1962 George began work at US Steel Research Center in Monroeville, PA.  He was laid off in 1980 as the steel industry declined.  Taking a cue from a cousin Bob Neblett, he then opened a picture frame store, which operated until 2015.  He was active in the American Society for Testing and Materials.  There, he identified a problem with standards for windows in tall buildings that had caused blow outs nationally and especially in Boston.  He proposed water filled columns that were used for the US Steel Tower (now UPMC) for fire resistance.

Following in the footsteps of his father George Sr, he was author of many patents in the US and other countries.  Including these:
2008	7,380,549	Solar Concentrator (improvement)
1998	5,787,878	Solar Concentrator with Mobile Mirrors
1987	4,706,925	Method of stripping an ingot from a mold
1981	4,263,704	Adjustable File Handle
1980	4,184,479	Greenhouse with stored solar energy
1974	CA949056	Telescopic chock for concrete forms
1973	3,714,752	Saddle clip for C shaped metal beams
1972	CA896210	Wall Construction
1971	3,623,755	Joist Hanger
1970	3,495,417	Steel Stud Wall Partitions
1967	3,315,995	Column and beam connection (et al)
1967	3,300,932	Concrete floor with truss
1965	CA713746	Composite Beam
1965	3,200,756	Variable Displacement Motor
1964	3,158,959	Suspended Prestressed beam

Hobbies/Recreation
He played chess via phone in his youth with his friend Andrew Hilton.  Also played at the nursing home he stayed at in his last year.  In Boy Scouts he was an Eagle Scout.  Working with his father George and son Eric he built solar hot water heating roofs.  Hiking.  He also had an avid interest in science and stocks, especially those energy related.  A keen interest in global warming.  He thought of solar energy as fusion power and the only way to save the planet.  Early to be aware of automotive safety, he & Jeanne had seat belts installed in their 1955 Plymouth in 1962.  Also, a big “No Smoking” sign on the dashboard for the car pool in the 70’s.  He favored non fiction movies and books.  There were many family vacations; to Florida, Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Expo 67, family camp, Disney Land (still under construction), UK, and more.  Pittsburgh real estate:  as duplex owner on Semple Street and Braddock Ave.  Furniture making and house maintenance.  Growing tomatoes, corn, watermelons, and strawberries.

Social Life
George and Jeanne attended Unitarian Church for many years.  Lastly at East Suburban Unitarian Universalist Church in Murrysville, PA.  Though not religious, he participated actively in the church.  He was probably the sole Republican member there.  He was also active in the Republican party in Churchill Borough.  George went to a stock club consisting of retired professionals in Forest Hills.  He and Jeanne also had bridge club gatherings for many years.

GEORGE DAVID RATLIFF JR

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