Eric Franklin Ratchford, Sr.
January 17, 1967 - July 24, 2021
Eric Franklin Ratchford, Sr., age 54, of Bear, DE passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021.
Born in Los Angeles, CA on January 17, 1967, he was a son of Norma Johnson. Eric worked as a regional director for the United States Department of Agriculture. Prior to that he worked for the state for 15 years. He also worked as a professional DJ under the name DJ E’Nice. In his spare time, Eric could often be found fishing or cheering on his favorite sports teams. He was a talented cook and made many delicious meals for his family and friends.
Eric was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Angel L. (Coleman) Ratchford; children, Eriqua Miles (Mike), Taneasha Ratchford, Eric Ratchford, Jr. and Alissa Ratchford; grandson, Lincoln Miles; sister-in-law, Katherine Coleman; brothers-in-law, Glenny Coleman III and Anthony Coleman; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 12 pm on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Old Drawyers Cemetery, 2839 DuPont Highway, Middletown, DE. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the CDC and Governor of Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to assist with funeral expenses to Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709.
Klorisa Coleman
I will truly miss my Uncle Eric and his kind words and inviting smile. I will always remember and cherish the great times spent over your home.
Until we meet again!
-Love Risa
Monique Williams-Johns
Angel we are praying for you and the children. Thank you for caring and being an excellent and taking care of him. I’m so sure he appreciated you.
Love Monique
Belinda Criddell
I met Eric through his DJ business, we partnered up on some comedy shows together.
He had the type of personality where he instantly became your friend, great sense of humor, kind, thoughtful, ultimate professional and respectful to everyone.
Whether you met him one time or a thousand, he greeted everyone with a big smile and a Friendly “hello.”
Everyone would comment on his exceptional DJ skills and outstanding personality. If DJ ENice was on the turntables, everyone was going to stay on the dance floor, he had special skills of playing the perfect mix for getting the party started and keeping it going.
His loss is felt by everyone who knew him and had the honor of calling him a friend or colleague.
My deepest condolences especially go to his wife, children and all his family. The world loss an extraordinary human being, may you find comfort in the wonderful memories you’ve shared.
Al Roach
Eric was not just a good dj he was also a good brother, he will be missed by everyone not just the entertainment World but also everyone around him. My condolence to the family.
Pauline Dawes
Eric was our gentle giant. His presence on the island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria solidify his role as a member of our proverbial family. It was always a pleasure to be in his presence, whether in a conference room or socializing at the end of an information-filled day. His smile and laughter were infectious. His attempt to duplicate our island dialect, refreshing. Eric’s contribution to the book of life is invaluable and well written. Rest in peace my dear brother.
Kevin Kelley
Sorry to hear the sad news about Eric. I had the pleasure of working with him at DHSS. He was a great person who touched many lives.
Todney Smallwood
Big E! I’m sorry that the Good Lord called you Home to Heaven and left us down here without your gold-toothed smile, sharp sense of humor and giving spirit. We both were avid fans of the 76ers but continually enjoyed trading barbs about our NFL rivals, my beloved Eagles and your annoying (lol!) Cowboys! I will absolutely miss zinging you about your team, but it was ALWAYS love. You were a good brother and a family man, and you will be *sorely* missed. God bless you, your wife and the kids! 🙏🏽
Kevin Concannon
Eric was a truly loved and respected federal career service leader , grounded by his years of state and federal public service. Genuinely friendly , humorous , competent , and musical. We will miss him , but smile at his memories . God Bless Eric .
Lisa White
Eric will be truly missed. I worked with Eric while he was employed with the State of Delaware. He was well respected by all that knew him. Praying for peace and comfort to all his family and friends.
Richard Lewis
The first time I’ve met you we hit it off as DJs very humble brother. Glad to have known you R.I.P Dj E’Nice
Audrey Rowe
Eric will be missed but he has gone home to rest. He had a purposeful life giving people joy with his music and serving those in need throughout his career at state and federal levels.
Donna
Eric was a big man, with a big heart who will truly be missed.
Racquel McIntosh
I will truly miss you my friend(my favorite DJ as I would call you). Thanks for being such a great boss while working for ARMS and a great friend. Praying for the family.
Dj Cuzznpete
Very Nice Brother, from the first time we met on the Djing circuit… I am honored to have known you and send my Condolences to your family🙏🏾. Rest In Peace Dj E’Nice… Dj Cuzznpete
Sharon L. Smith
My sincere condolences to the family, Eric or Big E, as I always called him; was my supervisor at one time during his tenure at Div. Of Child Support . Eric was smart, humble, intellectual as well as quickwitted. We had many good laughs from his jokes. Take flight my friend, make the angels laugh as only you knew how. Sadly, Sharon L. Smith
Judith Edwards
What a wonderful person, kind and giving. As his Aunt I could always count on him when I came from out of town to find out how all the family was faring. Always a smile and a laugh to put you at ease. A loving son to my sister Norma and a great brother to Leonard. To his wife and children be strong because Eric has completed his time on this earth. I will miss him dearly as you all will, and Godspeed to Eric who has flown with angel wings to his resting place. Love, Judie Edwards
Lisa Korman
I had the pleasure of working with Eric for nine years at FNS. He always had a smile on his face. He was kind and welcoming always. May his memory be a blessing. He will be missed terribly.
Julie Mikkelson
I’m so sorry to learn of Eric’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague and I learned so much from him in our short time working together in SNAP. My sincere condolences to his family
Carol Hay
I am so sadden to hear of Eric’s passing, my condolences goes out to his family.
Eric will truly be missed by his extended QC/SNAP family in St. Croix ,Virgin Islands.
I will always remember your laughter and your gentle ways.
Rest in peace Eric.
Carol Hay.
Gwen Griffith
Sending sincere condolences to the Ratchford family. Eric was a work colleague and someone I genuinely admired. I enjoyed his company on the rare occasions that we were able to spend time together. He had a giant presence and was always so joyful and fun. Praying for his family, friends and all of those who loved him along his life’s journey.
Susan Holzer
I was the SNAP Director in the Midwest Region in Chicago and worked with Eric for almost 10 years. It was a true honor to work with him on our many initiatives. The work he did impacted and improved so many lives. He was an awesome DJ and I was so happy to have witnessed it in a meeting we had in WV. He brought enjoyment to all of us. He was creative and committed to his work to help those less fortunate than us. He will truely be missed.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Emma Archer
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Eric. Eric was a very good friend and colleague of the VI-DHS family.
He was always willing to assist us with the programs he had oversight responsibilities of, and I will surely miss his warm smile and demeanor. May God give all of us the strength and peace during this time of bereavement of this beautiful soul. May his soul rest in eternal peace with his Savior.
Cheryl S. Willie, MSW
It is with deepest sympathy that I pay condolences to the Family of Eric F. Ratchford Sr. Saying goodbye is never easy, and saying goodbye to one who has departed this life, is painful and strikes like a sharp dart penetrating your mind, body and soul. You, Eric, was our beloved colleague overseas. The Virgin Islands Fraud Staff and I always looked forward to your visits to the Virgin Islands. Your big smile and warm disposition spread light on many our mandated tasks, and the wisdom you imparted was always, always helpful. I have no doubt that you will continue to impose your gentle spirit and calm demeanor when consulting with the angels! Rest in peace Eric, rest in eternal peace!
Dennis Stewart
The world and friends of Eric are better for the joy he brought to us all with his cheer, his music ( of course), and care for others. Thank you for your enduring gifts to us, Eric.
Dennis Stewart
San Francisco, California
Natalie L. Bailey
My sincere condolences to the family of Eric Ratchford. Eric was a pleasant, cheerful and joyful person. It was definitely a pleasure to interact with him as he imparted his wisdom, knowledge and guidance to us here in the US VIrgin Islands Department of Human Services, Division of Family Assistance. He will be truly missed.
As we say goodbye
We reminisce in what you mean to us
Sorrow deep as tears fall from our eyes
We keep you and your family in our thoughts and our prayers
And smile when we hear your name
Rest in peace.
Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez
29 July 2021
TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE LATE ERIC RATCHFORD
It is with a grieving heart as the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services I offer condolences to the family and friends of the passing of Eric F. Ratchford, Sr. We at the DHS were deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Eric and we know words are inadequate to express the tremendous pain you are feeling.
Today, we salute Eric’s service to our VI community through his work with USDA SNAP, mourn the loss with you, celebrate his life and most of all remember the good times. DHS certainly acknowledges this is a difficult time for everyone close to Eric, especially his beloved wife, children and family. Please know that the entire Department of Human Services family, especially those in the Division of Family Assistance are praying for your. Rest assure that the strength exemplified during this time of sorrow is commendable and we pray for better days as you go through all the changing scenes of life.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss, know that I will be praying for your comfort and healing. May your faith uphold you during this time, and may the many cherished memories help you smile once again.
In Christ’s Love,
Kimberley Causey-Gomez, MSW
Commissioner
VI Department of Human Services
S. O'Flaherty
Condolences goes out to the late Eric F. Ratchord Sr. family and close friends. May the lord comfort you in your time of grief. Rest in eternal peace.
Shelly O’Flaherty
Eligibility Specialist II
Division of Family Assistance
St. Croix, Virgin Islands
Diana Limbacher
I had the privilege of working with Eric since he came to FNS in 2008. Eric with his effervescent smile brought positive energy and light wherever he went, and Angel and his children were the lights of his life. He was an exceptional SNAP Director, and a true champion of helping those in need. “Some people come into our lives, and leave footprints on our hearts.” You will be sorely missed, Eric. God bless you!
Aaron Johnson
Cousin Eric,
You were always so kind to me and my family. You will truly be missed, I always remember those basketball games in our driveway and your kind spirit. Your kind heart and smile we always be with us. RIP and God Bless!
– Aaron, Andrew , Patty
Thomas McLean
Such a painful loss for this world. So glad we crossed paths and shared stages together and just laughed. Bless your family.
Andrew Haman
I worked with Eric with State of Delaware Division of Child Support Enforcement. We also played on Basketball Teams together. I recall our joking around and having fun while working or playing ball. Eric was a Good Man. See You when I See You. Friend, Andy Haman
Morris Olitsky
My sincerest condolences to Eric’s family. He was my boss at USDA, and always kept everyone’s spirits up; always cheerful and upbeat. We miss him very much.
Cheryl A Keil
Fly free with the Angels, Eric