James Earl “Butch” Bratton, an outstanding man and great ole soul, won the victory over death and disease when he crossed the chilling waters of Jordan and met his Master on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from Shearer Richardson Nursing Home in Okolona. Butch had 73 action packed years in his earthly pilgrimage. Born in Tupelo on March 2, 1951 to the late Alton E. Bratton and Marion Barrett Bratton. He lived his entire life in this area where he cut a wide path, loved all, and was loved by a large family and a great host of friends. Butch graduated from Tupelo High School in 1969 and worked several jobs before settling in with Caroll Leather where he worked 32 years retiring as District Sales Manager. Butch had the gift of “gab” combined with a generous personality. He never met a stranger and always expressed genuine interest and encouragement for all he met. A huge fan of Elvis, he was a master bowler, and “professional” handyman who could build or repair about anything. A lover of all genres of music, Butch made an “art form” out of karaoke and enjoyed nothing better than throwing a party. He coached his family in Little Leage ball and always had a strong interest in attending all their sporting events over the years. A member of the First Baptist Church of Shannon, Butch was deeply spiritual. He drew great strength through the Men’s Bible Group that met every Wednesday at 6 AM at the Church for spiritual strength and prayer. A great witness, he loved telling anyone anywhere about Jesus. Butch lived large, generously, loved his wife, Carlan supremely for 43 years and all his “blended” family unconditionally. He will be missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 PM Monday, April 22, 2024 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with his pastor, Bro. John Davis officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Faith Mausoleum in Verona. Visitation for the public will begin at 11 AM Monday only and continue until service time. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming at 2 PM Monday and will be permanently archived thereafter.
Butch is survived by his sweetheart and best friend of 43 years, Carlan Grant Bratton, whom he wed in Tupelo on Nov. 15, 1980; his children by birth and choice, Bobby Bratton (deceased), Bill Ethridge (Renae), Michael Ethridge (Brenda), and Scotty Ethridge (Jenni); his grandchildren, Brooke Shoup (Chris), Brandon Ethridge (Audrey), Wesley Ethridge (Haley), Blake Ethridge, AJ Bratton (Abby), Spencer Bratton, Will Ethridge (Marissa), Loxley Ethridge, Mace Ethridge, Lidden Ethridge, Rebekah Ivy, Nick Rainey, and Chris Lewis (Allison); great-grandchildren, Ansley Shoup, Bella Grace Shoup, Lilly Dru Shoup, Brent Ryals, Brooks Ethridge, Bradlee Anne Ethridge, Ellie Kate Ethridge, Annie Rose Ethridge, William Tate Ethridge, Baby Hudson Ethridge, Baby Sutton Grace, Jack Silas Ivy, Hazel Ivy, Presley Rainey, and Dawson Rainey; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Marion Bratton, and his siblings, Al Bratton, Barry Bratton, and Bunny Darnell.
Pallbearers will be Mace Ethridge, Ethan Ethridge, Brandon Ethridge, Wesley Ethridge, Blake Ethridge, Will Ethridge, AJ Bratton, Spencer Bratton, Chris Shoup, Litton Ethridge, Brooks Ethridge. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Rainey, Chris Lewis, Brent Ryals, and members of the First Baptist Church of Shannon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association of Mississippi, 1900 Dunwoody Dr., Suite 1, Jackson, MS 39216.
