Bobby Charles Bratcher

1964 - 2025

Retired MSgt Bobby Charles Bratcher (USAF), 61, passed away Feb. 24, 2025.

He was born Jan. 17, 1964, in Strawberry, to Janice (Durham) and the late Charles Bratcher. He was a proud member of Strawberry High School Class of 1982. Bobby wed the love of his life, Denise (Massia), on March 16. 1985, in Black Rock.

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 at Kessler AFB (Biloxi, Miss.), Barksdale AFB (Bossier City, La.), Lackland AFB (San Antonio), 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. 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 who 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.

Graveside memorial services were held Thursday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m., at Little Cemetery in Strawberry, with Kenny Townsley officiating. Roller-Crouch Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers were Jared Cook, Daniel Steele, Ryan Ward, Hunter Dean Durham, Wade Freer, John Mangrum, Tacker Colbert and Tal Durham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to any local cemetery of Northeast Arkansas or your favorite charity.

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.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31.