Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, in the chapel of McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Jimmy Bratton, 82, of Olive Branch, who died on Wednesday, April 26, in Southaven. Burial will follow in Smith Cemetery in the Rosebloom Community. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service.
Jimmy had a close and personal relationship with his Lord and Savior. He was a “whosoever” and lived his life in that way. He was married for 63 years to Nancy Ross Bratton. They had four children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Jimmy worked at Kellogg’s in Memphis, Tenn., for more than 40 years until his retirement. He will be remembered as always smiling, good natured, kind and always eager to help with any situation that he could. He enjoyed gardening and most specifically, grew fabulous flowers and tomatoes. He loved participating in activities and fellowship at the YMCA and made many friends through these activities. Jimmy loved to watch old black and white Westerns with his eyes closed — a well-honed skill and talent. He was an outstanding athlete throughout his youth at Oakland, enjoyed pickleball and always maintained an active lifestyle.
Jimmy loved family and family vacations, but especially the time he had with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His parents, Loyd Crippen “Crip” Bratton and Margaret Ellett Bratton; two sisters, Doris Bratton Strider and Maxine Bratton Parchman; a brother-in-law, Harold Strider, and three children, Jimmy Ray Bratton Jr. (Bubba), Thomas Wesley Bratton (Tommy) and Sandra Kay Bratton, preceded Jimmy in death.
Survivors include, his wife, Nancy; one daughter, Donna Fortner; two grandchildren, Christopher (Chris) Malone and April Fortner (Collin); three great grandchildren, Avalyn West, Eli West and Evalyn West; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Sowell Bratton; a brother-in-law, Hal Parchman and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Nephews from the Ross Family — Cary Worsham, David Ross, Mike Ross, Tyler Craddock, Brent Ross, Michael Allen, Calvin Ross, Larry Smith and Lexie Gay will serve Nancy and honor Jimmy as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Smith Cemetery Fund c/o Steve Ross, 7023 Pea Ridge Rd., Grenada, MS 38901 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is in charge of arrangements.
