Gary Gene "River" Bratcher

Gary Gene "River" Bratcher, age 70, of Little Rock, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016. He was born on July 18, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Dessie Beck and the late Carl Edwin Bratcher Jr. After graduating Fuller High School in 1963, Gary served six years in the United States Navy Seabees including three tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon completion of his military service, he worked for 30 years at TRW in Danville, Pennsylvania. He was an avid bass fisherman and outdoorsman. He was a member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church where he attended the Ben Miller Sunday School class. He is survived by his brothers, Carl Edwin Bratcher III and wife Carla of Sequim, Washington; Donald Bratcher of Little Rock; and John Beck, wife Laura and niece Jackie of Alexander; his daughter, Kimberly Craney and three grandchildren Kaely, Riley and Jaiden; and his life partner Devrry Jan Parrish of Little Rock along with her children and grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at Highland Valley UMC, 15524 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 at 11 a.m. on Friday May 27, 2016. Visitation will be before the service from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the church parlor. Burial will take place in a private ceremony at the family plot in Grady, Arkansas. Memorial contributions to Highland Valley UMC are requested as an alternative to flowers. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.ArkansasCremation.com.