Memorial services for Marion Dale "Toad" Bratcher, 82, of Thackerville were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 29 in the Chapel of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Taylor, Jr. officiating.
Born October 27, 1938 at Thackerville, the son of George Marion and Mattie Lee Whittington Bratcher, he died Friday, December 25, 2020.
Marion grew up and attended schools in Thackerville, graduating with the class of 1956. He served his country in the United States Army from 1957-1959. On June 29, 1968, he married Voncele Swint in Marietta. The two spent 40 wonderful years together before her death in March of 2008.
During the 1970's, Marion owned and operated a gas station. He later took a position with Weber Aircraft and worked there for 39 years until his retirement. Marion was known across Love County as Santa Claus. He took great joy in dressing up every year and playing the role for numerous events and gatherings. Marion raised chickens and rabbits and spent countless hours fishing and coon hunting. Many things brought Marion overwhelming joy, but perhaps the thing he loved most was spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Voncele; three brothers, Wayne Bratcher, Elgie Bratcher, and Joe Bratcher; and a sister-in-law, Olene Johnson.
Survivors include his son, James Bratcher and wife Sarah of Ardmore; sister, Martha Bratcher of Thackerville; grandson, Jack Bratcher; two brothers-in-law, Gene Swint of Leon and Robert Swint and wife Lanell of Hartwell, Georgia; sister-in-law, Barbara Bratcher and Ray Russell of Thackerville; an honorary adopted daughter, Shelly Russell and husband Dewayne.
Serving as honorary bearers were Raymond Bratcher, Clayton Bratcher, Bobby Bratcher, Michael Bratcher, Tony Swint, Johnny Swint, David Swint, Michael Swint, Billy Johnson, and Jerry Johnson.
The family asks that memorial contributions in "Toad's" memory may be sent to the Thackerville Toy Drive account at BancFirst in Marietta.
Online guest book: wattsfuneralhome.com Flanagan-Watts
This obituary included a photo of Mr. Bratcher.