On December 21, 2024, Dean Bratton ran home into the arms of Jesus. He loved his family and his friends and was truly graciousness personified. His strength of character knew no bounds. He lived his entire life behaving like a child of the King, giving of himself to anyone who had a need.

Dean was born on October 6, 1934 to Allen and Audie Bratton in Bruce, MS. Life was difficult for this family. Allen was a sharecropper during Dean's early years and hard work was something Dean learned all about early in life. After high school graduation, Dean went on to play football for Ole Miss for about 2 years. At that time, he had to return home to help the family with the farming duties. After marrying the love of his life, Doris, and having two children, Dean worked over 20 years for John Deere, then moved on to and retired from the Tennessee DOT as a
managing engineer. Dean and Doris travelled to many different places during his early retirement – they even found a city in South Carolina named "Brattonsville"!

Dean's sense of humor and beautiful, humble soul were a beacon of light to those around him. Our family is devastated to lose him, but knowing that he is with his Savior and with his wife and son brings a certain kind of peace to our hearts. He is Home and we will all be together when the Lord calls us to Him.