In Memoriam: John Ratterree

Title

In Memoriam: John Ratterree

Accession Number

2026.35.51

Accession Date

3 November 2026

Accession Creator

Sophie Pendergraft

Depositor

Janis Burnette Garland

Description

Letter from Home In Memoriam for John Ratterree, 1893-1964

Date

16 March 1964

Storage Location

Box 83, Folder 3

Text

FRONT

LETTER FROM HOME
News from Southern Home Insurance Company

Issue No. 2
March 16, 1964

In Memoriam

JOHN RATTERREE
1893-1964

Published at Greer, South Carolina, for the benefit of all Southern Home Agents

INSIDE

What is the measure of a man?

The answer, of course, is a composite of many qualities and characteristics. Perhaps the most significant are these: integrity, love and devotion for family, consideration, respect, and friendship for others, dedication to one’s chosen calling, contributions to church and community life.

Judged by any and all of these standards, John Ratterree was a singularly successful man, and the word “successful” is used in its best and broadest sense. His was a most useful life…a life of leadership and constructive service. In his quiet and unassuming way, he favorably affected the lives and careers of countless people in many places, and exerted a strong, positive influence on the development of the insurance industry throughout the South.

The personal attributes which earned for Mr. Ratterree such a high degree of esteem and affection are effectively expressed in this comment from one of his associates: “He was the best boss a man could ever have. He was like a father, and finest of all, he was a friend.”

That many others shared this assessment was impressively demonstrated by the outpouring of tribute and respect following the sad news of Mr. Ratterree’s death on March 2 at the age of 70. Literally hundreds of cards, letters, wires, and personal calls were received by Mrs. Ratterree. These came not only from agents and employees but also from executives of other insurance organizations who were long-time friends, colleagues, and from men in high public office.

John Ratterree passed away only three days after observing his 45th anniversary in the insurance business. He was a native of York County, South Carolina, and came to Greer in 1920 as head of the Insurance Department of the Farmers Bank and Trust Company. Some years later he established a General Agency which grew steadily in size and prominence.

In 1950, Mr. Ratterree organized The Dixie Fire and Casualty Company and in 1952 he purchased Southern Home Insurance Company. Following sale of the two companies to State Auto Mutual in 1958, he continued as President, as he did after the merger which became effective on january 1 of this year. At the time of his death, he was President of Southern Home and Vice President of State Auto.

Mr. Ratterree’s executive and agency-building responsibilities took him into many areas of the country. However, his roots were deeply embedded in South Carolina and particularly in Greer itself. He was one of the community’s first citizens and gave generously of his time to numerous civic endeavors.

He was a member and former Trustee of the First Baptist Church, a Director of the Bank of Greer, and a Charter Member of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission. He served on the Greer City Council and the Greenville County Hospital Board, was a Past President of the Greer Chamber of Commerce, and at one time headed the National Association of Mutual General Agents.

One of Mr. Ratterree’s favorite projects as his all-out backing of American Legion Junior Baseball. He contributed more than any single individual to the support of the Greer teams over the years. As Chairman of the Baseball Committee of the American Legion of South Carolina, he was nationally known and recognized in Legion baseball circles. His interest in the boys who played American Legion baseball did not end with the season’s last game but continued throughout the year. He helped many of the boys obtain jobs and further their education.

The high regard in which the community held Mr. Ratterree is evidenced by honors conferred upon him for his civic advancement efforts. In 1952 he was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Greer Kiwanis Club, in 1957 he was chosen “Boss of the Year” by the Greer Junior Chamber of Commerce and in 1959 this organization bestowed upon him an Honorary Lifetime Membership. Greer Post 115 of the American Legion, which numbered Mr. Ratterree among its leading members, designated him as “Legionnaire of the Year” in 1957. In 1962 this post presented to him an Award of Merit for recognition of outstanding service, support and leadership 1919-1962.

Funeral services for Mr. Ratterree were conducted March 4 at the First Baptist Church in Greer. Interment was in Mt. View Cemetery. Six of his associates and friends from the Greer office served as pallbearers.

To those who were closest to Mr. Ratterree – his wife; his daughter, Mrs. R. Perry Turner; and his grandson, John Ratterree Turner – we offer deepest sympathy. The sense of loss which is especially keen for them is shared by all the many, many people who were privileged to know him as a business leader, distinguished citizen, and steadfast friend.