A beloved command sergeant major was killed while riding his motorcycle on Saturday, after a car veered across the center median into oncoming traffic, according to Fayetteville (North Carolina) Police.

Justin Andrew Dunlap, driving a 2000 Honda, is charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, driving left of center, and careless and reckless driving.

"Sergeant Major Ratley was a good father, good grandfather, and a good son to his mother and father. And he was one of the greatest NCO leaders I’ve ever worked with," said Maj. Deon Maxwell, the executive officer of the 261st since June who has spent 23 years in the Army. "I just can’t say enough positive things about Sergeant Major Ratley. I’m still pretty much numb to what happened, still in a little bit of shock."

Command Sgt. Maj. Lynn Edward Ratley

Command Sgt. Maj. Lynn Edward Ratley was actively involved in his community.

Photo Credit: Courtesy

"He was very soft-spoken, but when he spoke it was very powerful," said Burk, who had been working with Ratley since April 2014. "He was a tremendous mentor to young soldiers."

Burk said he wasn't the type who "blew up" on soldiers but instead pulled them aside to correct them.  Both officers described him as a tremendous listener as well; he would clearly understand the heart of what a fellow soldier was trying to say and always willing to try to help.

It showed; Maxwell said not only did his enlisted soldiers feel secure in taking advantage of his open door policy, but battalion and brigade leaders would seek his input as well. Even soldiers from past assignments would call him for advice, he said.

"What stood out most was his compassion and care for all the soldiers in the battalion, and any soldiers he came in contact with in his career," Maxwell said.

Ratley also had a passion for riding motorcycles. But he was no careless rider; he led the battalion's chapter of the Army's motorcycle safety organization, and had decades of experience, Maxwell said.

Burk said he'd done a great job with the battalion in his latest assignment, especially helping young soldiers, many of whom have never deployed, get ready to go overseas.

"He's done a lot of great things for our battalion. Really focused our battalion from a readiness standpoint," Burk said. "He really brought a lot of focus back to the fundamentals of training, and getting soldiers in the mindset of readiness, and being ready to go out the door tonight."

Ratley also supported the community, Burk said.

"He was passionate about making sure the soldiers were more than just consumers of the area we were living in at Fort Bragg, and that we were giving back to the community," Burk said. "He was really community focused and wanted to give back to the area, and be a positive role model for the kids."

Police charged Dunlap, 26, with misdemeanor death by vehicle, an unintentional death caused by reckless driving and/or a traffic violation. Death by vehicle caused by the influence of drugs or alcohol is a felony under North Carolina law, implying police do not have evidence that he was intoxicated. The state passed a new law in 2009 that allows judges to sentence offenders with no prior convictions to up to 60 days in jail for the misdemeanor version.Because he has priors, Dunlap, 26, faces up to 75 days in prison. He remains at Cumberland County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

Dunlap was arrested for driving with a revoked license in 2012; upon conviction he received probation and a suspended sentence, according to public records. He also was arrested in Horry County, South Carolina in 2009 for committing or attempting a lewd act upon a child under 16; he was 20 at the time.

Justin Andrew Dunlap

Justin Andrew Dunlap

Photo Credit: Fayetteville Police

Ratley leaves behind parents who lived in the nearby Lumberton area, as well as two grown daughters — in Missouri and Florida, respectively — and two grandchildren.

Maxwell cited two priorities as the battalion tries to move on from this tragedy: honor Ratley's memory and make sure his family is taken care of.

"It's a blow. It's devastating," Burk said.

Follow @kylejahner

Kyle Jahner covers soldier uniforms and equipment, Medical Command and Recruiting Command along with investigations and other breaking news for Army Times. He can be reached at kjahner@armytimes.com.

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