of Strawberry, AR
January 17, 1964 - February 24, 2025
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 and 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.
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31 Condolence(s)
Ken and Lynn Kosko
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. Bobby was a phenomenal man, a best friend, and a mentor. He was amazing at calming me during times of stress. I will forever treasure the memories of hunting with him and Rick Cook, and all the memories of life together in Mississippi and Texas. Lynn and I will continue to keep you all in our prayers and wish for peace for you all.
The Hendricks Family
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Denise, Dakota, and Family,
God bless you all. We are thinking of you. Bobby is a great man, and we will see him again before too long. He's with Zach and Roger now (and our Savior).
Christopher Massia
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Condolences about uncle Bobby, he was a fighter.
Willie Joe & Cassie Huskey
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. Your in my prayers.
Larry and Diane Sinele
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you during this difficult time and for the days ahead. May God give you comfort and strength.
Larry and Diane( Martz) Sinele
Joe Lindsey
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
May you find peace knowing Bobby
was a man of faith who led by example. That he sits on the right hand side of God. May you draw strength from your memories and love of 40 years. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you, Dakota and family.
Mark and Sandra Galarneau
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
We were incredibly saddened to hear about Bobby. He was always so thoughtful, kind and fun to be around. We had some good times at the lake and on herf nights. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marilyn Harris Craig
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Prayers for all family members. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Guthrey
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Larry and Diane Sinele
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you during this difficult time and for the days ahead. May God give you comfort and strength.
Larry and Diane( Martz) Sinele
Barbara Wright Orr
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
I am so sorry!! Love and prayers.
Alan Vickery
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Larry and Dianne Shawver Sneed
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Our DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO the Family of Bobby Charles Bratcher
And his extended family and friends in their time of heartache and loss.
Hana Korkis Smith
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Bobby was such a kind person to all who went to school with him at Strawberry. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Harriet Casleton
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss Denise! Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Dakota and all your family during this very difficult time!
Carrie Gutshall
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
God bless you and your family. Prayers
Larry and Diane Sinele
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you during this difficult time and for the days ahead. May God give you comfort and strength.
Larry and Diane( Martz) Sinele
The Goodmans
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Continued prayers for your family!
He was an embodiment of the Air Force core values and will be greatly missed by all who had the honor to know him.
Norm and Donna Fox
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to Denise, Dakota and all other family. Bobby was a good friend and dedicated Airman. Some of our most precious memories revolve around Bobby, Denise (Nadine), and the other Yot Club members in our multiple assignments together while in the Air Force. He will be greatly missed but always remembered.
Clara Nell Crews
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
I am praying for this special family. Bobby was a good person. He always had a smile and kind words for all.
Todd and Resa Bolin
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Bobby was such a special friend and Christian. He always was willing to help and listen to you. I know he loved his family and left a hole in their hearts. Treasure the memories of his love that he showed his family and friends, Continual prayers for God’s love to be felt during the coming days.
John & Jenneal Runsick
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Gary and Lynda Crabtree
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss We are praying for your family! The Lord is with you at this time so try to give your heart to him If we can anything at all please let us know
Brian Casleton
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Very sorry for your loss. Bobby was a great Airman and friend. We all had some very wonderful times together and made lifelong memories.
Deborah McWilliams Donner
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
My deepest condolences and prayers for Denise, Dakota, and all family members. Love you all, “Aint.”
Anthony Dowdy
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Denise, so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family
Ken and Jean Page
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Denise and Dakota, our sincerest condolences. He fought a great fight. We love you and hope to be able to visit soon for our celebration of Bobby and a life well lived
Tracie Johnson
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Ina Lee Henley
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I remember Bobby as a little boy when we lived at Strawberry. Janice always brought he and Regina to church. Prayers for you all..
Karen and Doug Massey
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Everyone are in our prayers
Tamalettia (Huskey) Bradley
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Asking for comfort for this family as they grieve the loss of this man. God wrap your arms around them.