Robert "Bob" Franklin Bratcher

Robert Franklin "Bob" Bratcher was born August 18, 1929 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee the son of the late Claude and Marguerite Bratcher. The family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and Bob attended Red Bank High School. In 1946, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served 5 years and was involved in the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and earned a BS in Agricultural Engineering. He married Maleta Webb on December 20, 1952 in Knoxville. They moved to Osceola, Arkansas where he worked for three years before returning to Tennessee and he completed a Masters in Engineering in 1963. He worked for the Soil Conversation Service for 30 years before retiring in 1984. In 2012, he and Maleta moved to Henderson, TN to be near their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many activities including gardening, mechanics, woodworking and fishing. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Sanford Hill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maleta Webb Bratcher of Henderson; a daughter Sandy Rich and husband Lyle of Henderson; a son Bobby Bratcher and wife Suzanne of Cordova, TN; two brothers, Claude Bratcher of Sweetwater, TN, Ted Bratcher and wife Judy of Chattanooga, TN; four grandchildren, Kevin Rich and wife Kelly, Christopher Rich and wife Amanda; Josh Bratcher and Abbey Bratcher.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Bratcher and Nick Bratcher.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.