DRAKESBORO – Billy Ray Bratcher, 81, of Drakesboro, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 4:24AM under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. Mr. Bratcher was born December 18, 1944, in Muhlenberg County. He retired from Chrysler Body Shop and was a member of Cathedral of Hope Church. Bill loved God and his church, singing and playing music, and riding his lawn mower. He loved spending time with family, going out to eat, and enjoyed playing with his great-grandchildren. Most of all, he loved his wife and sitting in his rocking chair on the porch watching the birds and feeding the squirrels with her. He would always say they were recycled teenagers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Getta and Mildred Bratcher; brothers, Bobby Bratcher, Ricky Bratcher, Jeffery Bratcher, Harold Bratcher, and James Bratcher; and sisters, Mary Lear, Vicky Brewer, Linda Houle, and Betty Hardison.
He is survived by his wife, Ella Dean Eaves Bratcher; sons, Bennie Bratcher of Brookefield, MO, James Parker, Jr. of Casa Grande, AZ, James (Rachel) Davis of New Smyrna Beach, FL, James Scott of Cleaton, and Richard Benson of Cleaton; daughters, Deloris (Tim) Thompson of Missouri, Jeanette Zellers, Vanetta Johnson of La Porte, IN, Teresa Benson of Drakesboro, Janetta Smith of Central City, Chandra Carney Croff of Niles, MI, and Christina Davis of Debary, FL; sister, Carolyn Whitaker of Prescott Valley, AZ; brothers, Tommy (Debbie) Bratcher of Drakesboro, and Jerry (Jeanette) Bratcher of Drakesboro; 28 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Pastor David Cardwell officiating. Burial in Wilcox Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-8PM and Saturday after 8:00AM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
