Retired MSgt Bobby Charles Bratcher (USAF), 61, passed away on February 24, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1964 to Janice (Durham) and the late Charles Bratcher in Strawberry, Arkansas. He was a proud member of Strawberry High School Class of 1982. Bobby wed the love of his life, Denise (Massia) in Black Rock on March 16, 1985. In 1990, Bobby enlisted in the Air Force where he specialized as Medical Laboratory Technologist. He was a true American soldier and mentor throughout his many tours of duties. Kessler AFB (Biloxi, MS), Barksdale AFB (Bossier City, LA), Lackland AFB (San Antonio, TX), and multiple overseas deployments.
In 2012, after nearly 23 years of active service Bobby retired and moved to his grandparent’s family farm in Smithville, Lawrence County, Arkansas. Bobby turned his long career training to helping his community by joining Lawrence Memorial Hospital Medical Laboratory team. Bobby was a true American hero and he changed so many lives. “Anyone that knew him, knew he loved his family and the Air Force!” He was a loving devoted husband, father, pawpaw, son, and brother.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 40 years, Denise (Massia) Bratcher of Strawberry; daughter, Dakota (Justin) Mangrum of Paragould; grandsons, Jason and Dean Mangrum of Paragould; mother, Janice (Durham) Bratcher of Strawberry; sister, Regina (Bratcher) Bell of Saffell; and aunt, Deanna and (Stanley) Wrenn.
Other survivors include his extended family Pamela (Massey) Cook of El Dorado, Taylon (Cook) and Daniel Steele and their children Sutton and Gabe of El Dorado, Jared Cook and his daughter Eva of El Dorado, Wayne and Pam (Fortenberry) Freer of Finch, Trèka (Ethan) Clark of Finch, Wade (Sarah) Freer of Lafe, Tim Durham of Saffell, Hunter Dean Durham (Kayla) of Jonesboro, as well as Roger Ward and Ryan Ward.
Bobby was preceded in death by son, Zakary Bratcher; father, Charles Bratcher; paternal grandparents, Woodrow and Bernice (Lee) Bratcher; maternal grandparents, Murr and Marjorie (Massey) Durham; Rick Cook, Jimmy Bell, and nephew, Justin Bell.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jared Cook, Daniel Steele, Ryan Ward, Hunter Dean Durham, Wade Freer, John Mangrum, Tacker Colbert, Tal Durham.
The family would like to express appreciation for the loving and godly care he received over the last few years by the doctors and nurses at NEA Baptist Hospital, NEA Fowler Family Cancer Center and St. Bernards Oncology Department.
Graveside memorial services will begin at 2:00 pm Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Little Cemetery in Strawberry, Arkansas under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Kenny Townsley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his name to any local cemetery of Northeast Arkansas or your favorite charity.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
