Billy M. Bratton

Mr. Billy M. Bratton, 81, of Jonesboro, passed away on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Mr. Bratton was born on July 7, 1933, to the late Murle and Vila Bratton in Blytheville. Mr. Bratton was a former member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Blytheville and Finch Baptist Church in Greene County, and was attending Nettleton Baptist Church. Mr. Bratton was formerly of Blytheville, where he served as fire chief, retiring in 1979. He moved to Jonesboro in 1998 where he enjoyed cattle farming, horses, hunting and fishing.

Mr. Bratton was preceded in death by his parents, Murle and Vila Bratton; one sister, Frances Gracy; two brothers, Bobby and Ronnie Bratton; one grandson, Wesley Lentz; one son-in-law, Randy Toombs; and his faithful companions, Walter and Bear Boy.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years in October, Mona Frances Bratton of the home;

One son, Billy L. Bratton and wife Debbie of Phoenix;

Five daughters, Kay Lentz and husband Paul of Branson, Missouri, Sandy Flora and husband David of Blytheville, Phyllis Easley Schantz and husband James of Piedmont, Oklahoma, Ann Easley Toombs of Jonesboro and Sheree Easley of Jonesboro;

Eight grandchildren, Hope Cheesman and husband Kevin, C.W. Toombs and wife Katie, Cari Schantz Warfe and husband Jason, Emily Schantz, Molly Schantz, Joey Lentz, Brandee Craine and Shellee Flora;

Seventeen great-grandchildren; and

A host of other family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 816 Delmar St., in Blytheville, with Dr. Tommy Carney officiating.

Carney Funeral Home and Faith Funeral Service are in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.