Rattikin Title
On Sept. 5, Fort Worth lost a renowned business icon.
Jack Rattikin Jr. died at the age of 90.
Rattikin, the son of Jack Rattikin Sr., grew up in the title business and became the second president and CEO of Rattikin Title in 1969, shortly after his father's passing. He held these positions until 2004.
He served as chairman until his death.
With over 55 years of professional life in the title insurance industry, Rattikin served as president of the Texas Land and Title Association from 1974-75 as well as the American Land and Title Association from 1984-85. He was awarded TLTA Title Man of the Year in 1964 and the YMCA Chi-Rho Award in 1980.
His obituary called him an “attorney, explorer, dreamer, boater, astronomer, driven businessman and above all, devoted family man.
“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.”
A Fort Worth native, William Jackson Rattikin Jr. graduated from Paschal High School before moving on to the University of Texas, where he earned degrees in business and law in 1956 and 1957.
Afterward, he joined the U.S. Army, eventually attaining the rank of captain while overseeing railroad operations for the Transportation Corps in Virginia.
He returned to Texas to practice criminal law briefly before joining the family business begun by his father.
Jack Rattikin Sr. was born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. He moved to Texas in 1892. He entered business here in 1927 after serving in World War I as a Navy aviator. He returned after the war and established a law practice and purchased Home Abstract Co. In 1944, he founded Rattikin Title Co.
The Rattikin family has been involved in the title insurance business since the 1920s, when it helped start the industry in Texas.
Jack Rattikin III has been president and CEO since 2004.
“His immense contributions to the legal community and title industry are legendary, steering both to new heights locally as well as nationally,” his obituary said.
Rattikin was said to be “truly in his element” navigating his boat down the rivers and shorelines across the country, “or shepherding his wife and children by motorhome to countless national parks and historical sites across the U.S. and beyond.”
Rattikin was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Glenda, his father and mother, Annie Lea Rattikin, and his sister Ann Rattikin Thurman. He is survived by his sons Rattikin III and Jeffrey A. Rattikin, and his daughters Alicia Rattikin Lindsey and Allyson Rattikin Grona, and 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.