Melvin Bratcher

Melvin Bratcher, born 1945, entered God’s presence on Thursday, Christmas Eve. He was a Warren County native and lifelong resident, as well as a ninth generation Tennessean, owner of Northview Mold Shop, had his pilots license, and a deacon and founding member at McMinnville Congregational Church. He passed away suddenly while working on his family’s century farm, doing what he loved most in life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob “JP” Bratcher and Rosie Cope Bratcher; brothers, Alton and Rayburn Bratcher; and sister, Geraldean Bratcher Prater, all of Warren County. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Pamela Ralph Bratcher; sisters, Eva (Willard, Jr.) Ralph of McMinnville and Shirley (Joe) Young of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Rose Johnson Bratcher of McMinnville; sons, Timothy (Denelle) Bratcher of Murfreesboro and David (Tricia) Bratcher of McMinnville; daughter, Myra (Mark) Mara of McMinnville; grandchildren, Jacob Bratcher of Columbia, South Carolina, Matthew (Jade) Bratcher of McMinnville, Daniel (Bryanna) Bratcher of McMinnville, Caleb Bratcher of Knoxville, Micah Bratcher of McMinnville, Sarah Bratcher of Nashville, Rebekah Bratcher of McMinnville, Keren Bratcher of McMinnville, Leah Mara of McMinnville and Luke Mara of McMinnville; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Carlin and Colt Bratcher, all of McMinnville; and several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also survive. After his eight decades on this earth, everyone who knew him agreed that Melvin Bratcher was a simple and honest man who simply and honestly loved his God, his family, and his country above all else. Each of his ten grandchildren who would come to visit can remember hearing him pray before bed at night for his family, for our nation’s leaders, and for persecuted people across the world. The family will receive visitors this Sunday, December 27, 2020 at High’s from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. with funeral service immediately following and officiated by Mr. Bratcher’s two sons. Interment will follow at Banks Cemetery in DeKalb County. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Navajo Land Baptist Missions or Banks Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.