C. W. Ratliff was a member of the first graduating class of Texas Technological College in 1927. He also was a member of Tech's first football team. He began working for the Lubbock Avalanche in 1925 as a reporter. The Lubbock Avalanche and Lubbock Journal consolidated in 1926. Ratliff specialized in political and city hall reporting while with Lubbock Avalanche-Journal . In 1961 he became the first News Director for KCBD Radio and Television. Ratliff died in 1972.
From the guide to the C. W. Ratliff Papers, S822. 2., 1905-1971 and undated, (Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University)