Michael Andrew Ratliff

Michael Andrew Ratliff, 31, of Claymont, DE, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2017 in Woodbury, NJ. Born in Newark, DE, he was the beloved son of John E. and Teresa J. (Ratliff) Spence of Claymont, DE.

Michael attended Concord High School and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Wilmington. He was employed by Amtrak as a trackman.

Michael was an accomplished musician from a very early age who played the drums, guitar and bass guitar. His band "No Pride" played from coffee houses in Wilmington to venues in Philly.
He was also a accomplished sketch artist who's drawings would make you say wow.
Michael also was a world traveler who backpacked across Europe for a month flying into London, and flying out of Amsterdam.
He hopped trains though almost every State in our Country, living off the land, and living in Delaware, Alabama, Maine, Canada. Washington, Tennessee, the Dakotas, New Orleans and Eugene,Oregon.  He worked jobs as he traveled from harvesting blueberries, sugar beets and clams in Oregon and Washington to a couple of years spent in New Orleans working the bars on Bourbon Street.
He finished up his rail riding days by getting a job of a lifetime working for Amtrak as a Trackman  and Thermite Welder.
He will be sadly missed by so many family and friends, Michael mother and I love you,

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one brother John E. Spence, III and fiancé Amanda McKee and niece Paige all of Newark, DE, paternal grandparents John Spence, Sr. of Newark, DE and Judy Daniels of Claymont, DE and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents the Rev. Joejack and Anne Ratliff.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 7:pm at the Full Gospel Church, 430 South St., Kennett Square, PA with visitation and viewing from 5 to 7:pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Kacie's Cause, 232 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com