Jerry Ray Bratcher, 71

McMinnville resident and Warren County native Jerry Ray Bratcher, 71, was born November 25, 1954 and died December 1, 2025 at Alive Hospice in Nashville following a sudden illness.

A farmer and nurseryman and a member of Dibrell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he was the son of the late Paul Leston and Dorothy Marie Cantrell Bratcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Jeffrey Bratcher; brother-in-law, Wayne Williamson and grandson, Coleman Miller.

Jerry is survived by children, Chelsea Bratcher of McMinnville, Lindsay Miller of Gravois Mills, Mo., Kelley (Alexis Pope) Bratcher of Franklin and Hayley (John) Willeford of Hilham, Tenn.; grandchildren, Ranessa Merriman, Wyatt Miller, Theodore Pope, Laura Jane Pope and Evelyn Pope; siblings, Judy Williamson of Watertown and Janet (Lonnie) McBride, Jacqulyn Boyd and Jennifer (Merill) Cope, all of McMinnville; special aunts and uncles, Dewey (JoAn) Cantrell, Jr. and Sylvia Cantrell; sister-in-law, Delois Bratcher and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He cherished time with his family and friends, and he was often heard saying, “they’re my friend,” a reflection of how deeply he valued the people in his life. A true lover of nature and farm living, he took great pride in caring for his bees and was well known for the honey he produced for the Warren County Farmers Market. He passed his love of the land on to his four daughters from a young age—teaching them math by counting rows of trees and showing them the value of hard work through growing and selling tobacco and pumpkins to help save for college. He found joy in tending the land, nurturing beautiful landscapes, and sharing the fruits of his labor with his community. He enjoyed days spent at the flea market and antiquing, always on the lookout for a good find. Some of his happiest moments were the simple ones—annual weenie roasts and hayrides with family, pushing his grandkids on the tire swing, riding mules and wagons, and even taming an unruly ox or two. He is dearly loved, will be sorely missed, and will never be forgotten as a wonderful son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025 in High’s Chapel with Reverend Harry Green officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at High’s. Per Mr. Bratcher’s wishes, he will be cremated following the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Dec. 2, 2025