Damon R. Ratterree, Jr.

With profound sadness, the Ratterree family announces the unexpected passing of Damon R. Ratterree, Jr., on February 16, 2025.

Damon R. Ratterree Jr. was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 19, 1964. Damon Sr. and Mary Elaine were delighted as their family grew with the addition of Damon Jr. Older sister Melissa anticipated his arrival; she thought he was her birthday present. Several years later, Melissa and Damon Jr. were excited to welcome their younger sister, Pamela, to the family.

While Damon was quite young, he developed bronchitis. The doctor recommended that he be warmly bundled, except for his face, and placed under a humidifier. The humidifier caused condensation to form on his face, giving it a frosted look. It was at this time, Damon Sr. bestowed the nickname “Frosty” on Damon Jr., and we all know the nickname stuck. Maybe giving nicknames is genetic; Frosty also gave everyone nicknames.

Frosty was the reason the family moved from Jacksonville to Mandarin, when he was around 3 years old. In his Jacksonville neighborhood, he would escape in his little pedal car and go on adventures, like lion hunting. Mary Elaine felt moving to Mandarin would give Frosty a safer place to be outside, go on adventures, and hunt lions. After moving to Mandarin, he spent more time outside than inside. Frosty attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School. He also enjoyed playing baseball, football, and soccer. He continued to play soccer in junior high school. Along with sports and school, Frosty also developed a deep passion for hunting and fishing.

Throughout his youth and adulthood, Frosty continued to enjoy his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. The unique combination of Mandarin, St. Joseph’s, fishing, and hunting provided Frosty with more than deer heads for his walls and tall fish tales to tell. Most importantly, he gained and retained lifelong friendships.

Like his father, as an adult, Frosty pursued a career in the elevator industry. He worked long hours, often out of town, and made great friends. During this time, he met his future wife, Sandy. They were married on June 30, 1990, in a beautiful ceremony. Giving it a special touch, Frosty’s grandfather, G.A. Ratterree, a retired Baptist preacher, facilitated their ceremony. On April 6, 1992, Sandy and Frosty welcomed their first child, Damon R. Ratterree, III. Soon their family grew by one, when Erica, their second child, arrived on March 1, 1993. In May of 2024, Frosty decided it was time to close the door on the elevator business and happily retired. During this time, Frosty moved into his parents’ home to help his father care for his mother during her illness.

Frosty loved his family and friends; spending as much time with them as possible. He was fortunate to have hunting and fishing buddies, work buddies, and good buddies. There are numerous “Frosty and Friends” stories; fishing tales from the creek to the ocean, epic Texas hunting trips, the neighbor’s cats, escapades with his buddies — what’s fact? What’s fiction? Who knows! These stories are ones we will forever hold close to our hearts. Amazing friends were a significant part of Frosty’s life, and he considered them irreplaceable.

Frosty’s unexpected departure left a deep wound gravely felt by his family and friends. Leaving his son and daughter with wounded hearts, having lost such an important part of their lives. The memories of their dad are more unique and special than the rest of us know. These memories are treasures and will be cherished by Damon and Erica forever. Evidently, it wasn’t uncommon for Frosty to pick up Damon and Erica from school and take them straight to the woods to continue their education, just one of the numerous special memories they will cherish.

Frosty adored his grandchildren, each having a special place in their Pop Pop’s heart. He felt it was important for his grandchildren to experience what he was passionate about and enjoyed. Through special adventures with them, he was able to convey his love of fishing, hunting, and the outdoors; giving them the opportunity to understand and appreciate what he loved.

Frosty’s nieces and nephews know they have lost more than an uncle. They have lost a remarkable person, and will miss his jokes, teasing, nicknames, and the “wisdom” he shared on various subjects.

We will fondly remember Frosty’s wry sense of humor and smirky smile, his deep affection for candy and cooking. He was generous, warm-hearted, a true and loyal friend. Frosty was many things to many people, but to his family, he was one of a kind. A huge heart behind a toothy grin, regrettably, one we now mourn; one we will never forget.

Surviving to cherish Frosty’s memories are his father, Damon R. Ratterree Sr.; his son, Damon R Ratterree, III, and Tiffany; his daughter, Erica Capo, husband, Matthew; Sandy Ratterree; grandchildren, Isabella, Ashlynn, Olivia, Kolten, Emma, Raelynn, and Alayna; sisters, Melissa R. Bosch, husband Larry, Pamela Hicks, husband, Adam; nieces, Baylee, Grace, and Brinley, nephews, Matthew, Aaron, Eddie, Josh, and Jack.

Preceding Frosty in death are his mother, Mary Elaine Ratterree; grandparents, G.A. and Helen Ratterree, Hewen and Mary Lasseter; uncles, Gary and Jonathan Ratterree, and Victor Lasseter.

From our hearts and with sincere gratitude, we wish to convey our deepest appreciation for the support, friendship, and love we have received during this challenging time – the Ratterree family.

Please join us at St. Augustine Rod and Gun Club as we remember and celebrate the life of Frosty, an unforgettable man.