Ricky Joe Bratcher, age 64 of Rockmart, GA, passed away in Rome, GA surrounded by his loved ones on February 18, 2024. He was born on December 27, 1959, in Rome, GA, to his parents, the late David Estle Bratcher and Rose Lanham Bratcher.
Ricky’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and sportsmanship. He graduated from East Rome High School in 1977 and went on to graduate from Coosa Valley Technical College in 1978. An avid sports enthusiast, Ricky found joy in coaching football at Rockmart Recreation Center, girls Rec softball, and Rome Rec baseball, as well as playing on various softball teams.
His passion for sports extended to his unwavering support for the Atlanta Braves and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Ricky’s hobbies also included singing karaoke, collecting baseball cards, fishing, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
In addition to his dedication to sports, Ricky was a man of faith, being a member of the Baptist community. His warm smile and kind heart touched all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by his sisters, Joann Thompson and Mary Hulsey, as well as his cherished pets Valentine, Chloee, Charlye, and many other fur-babies.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly forty years, Penny Edwards Bratcher whom he married on September 16th, 1984. Together they raised a daughter, Noel (Joshua) Young of Adairsville, GA. Ricky adored his role as a grandfather to Tristan Young, and fur grand dog, Athena, also of Adairsville. He is also survived by sisters, Glenda Culpepper of Rome, and Betty Holden (Ricky Miller) of Silver Creek, GA; brothers, David (Sandra) Bratcher of Silver Creek, Danny (Sandy) Bratcher of Lindale, GA, Don (Ann) Bratcher of Rome, Dennis (Vivian) Bratcher of Rome, and Rob, (Debra) Bratcher of Valdese, NC; brother-in-law, Bruce (Rebecca) Edwards of Rydal, GA. Numerous nieces and nephews along with his loving fur companion, Theo, also survive.
Funeral services for Ricky will be held on Wednesday afternoon, February 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Eulogies will be given by Jason Lee Edwards, Joshua “Bling” Young and Joseph Hardigree (on behalf of Paul Holbrook). Interment will follow in the family lot at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Joshua Landress conducting graveside rites.
Ricky’s family will receive friends at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. At other they may be contacted at the home of his daughter, Noel Young, 52 Barnsley Village Drive, Adairsville, GA, 30103.
Pallbearers will include Stewart Bratcher, Daniel Bratcher, Denver J. Culpepper, Christopher Edwards, Matthew Edwards, Joshua Edwards, and Jake Edwards-Bradshaw. An Honorary escort of pallbearers will include Travis Lumpkin, Steve Phillips, Jason Hulsey, Jason Dunn, Amanda Compton, Dennis Voils, Junior Redden, and Michael Edwards.
Ricky will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of the arrangements for Rick Joe Bratcher.
