Obituary of Jack Rattikin Jr.

William Jackson Rattikin Jr., 90 years old and a lifelong citizen of his beloved Fort Worth, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, ascending to his Lord and Savior and rejoining his cherished wife of 64 years, Glenda. Attorney, explorer, dreamer, boater, astronomer, driven businessman and above all, devoted family man are all words that describe Jack and his life. His dedication to his family, friends, employees and business associates have forever impacted and blessed countless lives and families, a powerful legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024 in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 800 W. 5th Street, Fort Worth, with a reception following in Wesley Hall.

Memorials may be made to the First Street Methodist Mission of First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, or to a charity of your choice.

Jack graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth, the University of Texas at Austin School of Business and UT Law School before joining the US Army, ascending to the rank of Captain while overseeing railroad operations for the Transportation Corps in Virginia. Subsequently, Jack returned to Fort Worth to begin his law practice and join his father and mother at the renowned Rattikin Title Company. His immense contributions to the legal community and title industry are legendary, steering both to new heights locally as well as nationally. Jack served as President of both the Texas and American Land Title Associations, garnering praises far and wide for his leadership and innovation within the title industry. His passion for detail, and insistence on doing things the right way, led to an outstanding reputation in the business community, and he instilled a work ethic in his family and employees that lasts to this day.

Jack was truly in his element while captaining his boat down the navigable rivers and shorelines of this country, or shepherding his wife and children by motorhome to countless national parks and historical sites across the USA and beyond. The lessons learned, and immense appreciation for God’s amazing natural creation that emanated from these family trips, has had a profound impact on all of his children, and now their children. Family time meant everything to Jack, and he made sure that the love of God and family were of primary importance to all.

One of Jack’s most enduring legacies began in 1970 with his “discovery” of the pristine white beaches of Destin, Florida. Frequent family trips to this amazing area began a cherished tradition near and dear to all members of the Rattikin family. And not to be overlooked, Jack’s loyalty to and love for the University of Texas Longhorns cannot be overstated.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife Glenda, his father William Jackson Rattikin, Sr., his mother Annie Lea Rattikin, and his sister Ann Rattikin Thurman. He is survived by his son Jack Rattikin III and wife Laura, his daughter Alicia Rattikin Lindsey and husband Stephen, his son Jeffrey A. Rattikin, and his daughter Allyson Rattikin Grona and husband Brian. Jack is also survived by 11 amazing grandchildren, 4 adorable great-grandchildren (with number 5 on the way!), and the Bill Thurman family of Austin. Heartfelt gratitude and appreciation are extended to Jack’s special friend, Jan Redding, his gracious caregivers Lee Fiero and Leah Richardson and their teams, and Community Hospice of Texas. The love and care of these extraordinary individuals provided great comfort and enjoyment to Jack’s last years of life, and the family is deeply indebted to each of them.