Hayes Osteen Ratledge

Ratledge—Hayes Osteen Ratledge, 93, on December 6, 2022, peacefully, following a brief hospitalization in Greensboro, N.C. Hayes was born on October 9, 1929, to J. Fred and Flossie Joyner Ratledge in Greensboro. He graduated from Guilford High School and Guilford College before beginning master’s degree studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

After college, he worked as an accountant at Burlington Industries before finding his calling as a Dale Carnegie instructor and establishing his own business, Success Seminars Institute. On September 12, 1953, Hayes married Nancy McGuire under the care of New Garden Meeting in Greensboro. They raised five children, all of whom were active in the meeting and at nearby Quaker Lake Camp.

Hayes was a longtime and much beloved member of New Garden Meeting, serving in many capacities, including treasurer, head usher, and sound system manager. He had a knack for welcoming everyone who came through the doors and a gift for anticipating the needs of others. If Hayes volunteered to help, everyone knew he would pitch in until the job was done. He was also a longtime member of the New Garden Cemetery Association. On the occasion of his eightieth birthday, his children donated a bench in his honor. He was also active in the Guilford College Community Civitan Club, holding multiple positions at the club and district levels.

Hayes was passionate about genealogy and organized many family reunions, serving as master of ceremonies for all.

Hayes was predeceased by two brothers, J. Fred Ratledge Jr. and Curt Ratledge.

He was survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy McGuire Ratledge, who died in April 2023. He is survived by five children, Nan Martin, Sue Dunlap (Steve), Martha Farlow (Mark), Brooks Ratledge (Patricia Harden), and Marshall Ratledge (Kim); nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Charlotte Pringle and Fredda Hobbs; two brothers, Bill Ratledge (Amanda) and Bob Ratledge (Sherry); and many nieces and nephews.