John Bratcher (3-5-12) service 3-7-12

John Alden Bratcher of Florence, Ala., formerly of Savannah, was born Dec. 15, 1939, in Waynesboro, the son of the late Walter Lee and Nettie Evelyn Watson Bratcher.

He was united in marriage to Paulette Horton on May 29, 1969.

Mr. Bratcher was a sewing machine mechanic for 30 years at Clifton Contracting in Clifton. He was a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Savannah and served in the United States Army and Army National Guard.

Mr. Bratcher departed this life on Monday, March 5, at his home at the age of 72 years, 2 months, 19 days.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette Bratcher of Florence, Ala.; a son, Chris Bratcher of Florence, Ala.; daughters, Melinda Rogers of Savannah, Charlotte Horton of Pickwick Dam; grandchildren, Zach Rogers of Rienze, Miss., Clint Rogers of Florence, Ala., Sgt 1st Class Matt Horton of Afghanistan, Morgan Horton of Pickwick Dam; a great-grandchild, Ryder Horton of Savannah; a special little friend, Brooklyn Carroll of Florence, Ala.; a brother, Jerry Bratcher and wife Linda of Waynesboro; a sister, Betty Brown and husband John David of Savannah; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bratcher was preceded in death by brothers, J.W. Bratcher, Bob Bratcher, James Edward Bratcher, Earl Bratcher.

Services were held on Wednesday, March 7, at 3 p.m., at Shackelford Funeral Directors Chapel, Collinwood, with Paul Weaver and Ralph Mann officiating. Burial with military rites followed in the Cromwell Crossroads Cemetery at Collinwood, with Shackelford Funeral Directors, Wayne County, directing.