Johnny Joe Bratton, Sr. (John), 71, of Beebe, Arkansas went home to be with his heavenly family and the love of his life, Marilyn Bratton, on February 17, 2026. He is survived by his 3 children, John Bratton, Jr., Jeff Bratton both of Beebe, Ar., Janet Campbell (Bill) of Benton, Ar. He is also survived by his brother, Ron Bratton, his 4 grandchildren, Justin Glaser, William “Kyle” Glaser, Emily Glaser and Wesley Bratton. John enjoyed the time he spent with his 3 great-grandchildren, Gracie, Ellie and Elias Glaser. He also had several furry kids with special mention to his “best bud” Chub Bear, Jazmyn and Lep (the cat).
John is preceded in death by his parents, Vergil and Imogene Bratton, his sister, Linda, maternal grandparents, Elmer and Erma Nordin, paternal grandparents, David and Leona Bratton.
John served in the United States Air Force from 1974 – 1983 at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Ar. He was editor of the Stars and Stripes newspaper where he was able to live out several adventures. He took pride at being on the Honor Guard serving the families of his fallen brothers and sisters. John ended his military career as a meteorologist. He loved studying and predicting the weather.
John was very sociable and never met a stranger. He loved his family, friends and Jesus. He was forgiving, loyal and a dreamer. He was also a warrior and would defend those who needed it. John liked to stay active and loved to run. He was a musician, a comedian, a politician and activist. He always wanted to help others and tried his best to do so.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 26th at 9:30 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m. at A Natural State Funeral Services in Jacksonville, Ar. Graveside services will follow at 12 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ar.
John was loved and cherished by many and will be sorely missed. His family is grateful that he is at peace in the arms of the Angels.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
13 Comments
John was a dear friend and like family. He always welcomed me and treated me as a part of the fsmily. He was a great man and friend and will be missed by many. Rest in peace!
John was a dear friend and like family to me. He always welcome and included me with the rest of the fsmily. He was a great man and friend and will be dearly missed. Rest in peace!
I love you Dad. I miss you so much. You were my best friend and always there for me. I don’t know how to do this life without you and mom both gone. I am grateful we got the few extra weeks before you left us. I love you and miss you Big Bad Daddio.
I only knew John through Facebook. Throughout the years he was a very kind and supportive friend to me especially when my own Father got very sick… very similar to what John went through. He was always there for me in posts and private messages praying for me and my Dad. His faith in God was rock solid. RIP John. See you again one day on the other side!
Fly high Johnny!The Lord is welcoming you to your heavenly home with open arms!You will have a new body and will reunite with your wife!God bless!
I met John because the computer in Facebook and he was cherished soon add me. What a great friend.
I am so sorry about the passing of Johnny Joe. I remember him visiting us in Minden. Sending prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days. Much love to you and the family.
I love you forever pops. I hope I make you proud and happy. I’m going to miss you until I get to see you again. So many more stories to tell each other then. It gives me peace knowing you get to see gma again. I just wish I could’ve spent my whole life being able to talk to you and hug you and see you. You are my dad. And I will forever cherish you and the memories we made. I love you so much pops. See you again soon
Love you forever thank you forever raising me and being there for me know you Nana can live happy ever after once again ❤️
He was really funny and lovely he will be missed. I’ll always remember him he was always really kind.
Johnny your dad was an awesome man he will be deeply missed by one and all.
Love you papa i’m sad that your gone but I am glad your not suffering Thank you for all the constant sacrifices and Unconditional love you had for all four of us I wish we could’ve had more time But God answered your prayers Until we meet again I love you Nana and Papa Forever
John was kind helpful loving man as friend as he was a father in law. They both were a wonderful couple that demonstrated God’s love around them. Prayers to Brattons kids and grandkids.
Add Comment