Thaddaus Wade Bratcher

Mr. Thaddaus Wade Bratcher was born to Cecil Bratcher, Sr. and Hazel Booker Bratcher on June 18, 1950 in Oxford and was reared in Batesville, Mississippi along with 10 siblings. He worked for many years for the City of Batesville/Sardis Lake Park before moving back to Oxford when he married Ms. Hosley Mae Lynch in 1980. He became the amazing stepfather to five children.  A man of integrity and high character, Wade was loved by all who came into his presence. His cool temperament and warm smile were his signature. He was a devoted husband and affectionate father and grandfather who loved his family. A testament of God’s Grace and mercies, Wade never allowed his health challenges to define nor defeat him. His will to live and thrive were evident, as he defied all the odds and impressed doctors with his zeal and determination to live a full life until God quietly called him home on a Monday. A saved man of strong faith, Wade was fearless in all things and trusted God to keep him, and God did just that.

Wade attended East Batesville Church of God in Christ with his parents.

Wade was also a loyal friend to Leland Brown, David Holmes and the late Ellis Lloyd. A true family man, he was affectionately known as Paw Paw Wade to his grandchildren and Pops to his children. He was highly intelligent and loved a good challenge often working crossword puzzles, including The New York Times’ crossword, one of the most difficult word puzzles to complete. He also was a highly-skilled, professional handyman, running his own business, Wade’s Landscaping, servicing many homes in the Oxford area for over 40 years. He enjoyed trips to Wal-Mart with his forever bride and riding around town enjoying the scenery. He was a simple man, but not a simple-minded man. He was a daily smile for many and encourager for all.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 42 years, Ms. Hosley Mae Lynch Bratcher (Abbeville, MS); five children Josephine (Wilbun) Wells (Oxford, MS), Osie James, Jr. (Memphis, TN), Dr. Hazel James Cole (Carrollton, GA), and Cecelia (Johnnie) James Webb (Oxford, MS); six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; two siblings: James Wesley Bratcher and Dorothy Faye Bratcher of Batesville, MS; one aunt, Ms. Hattie Davidson (Oxford, MS); two sisters-in-law, Mattie Bratcher (Cecil, Jr.) and Birdie Mae Bratcher (Earnest) (Memphis, TN), and his wonderful roommate at Oxford Rehabilitation Center, Alvin King. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His parents Cecil and Hazel, six brothers, two sisters, and one stepson predeceased him: brothers, Selma Bratcher, Cecil Bratcher, Jr., Melvin Bratcher, Earnest Bratcher, Ulysses Bratcher, and Dennis Bratcher; sisters, Gussie Mae Ueal and Fannie L. Bratcher, and stepson Stevie.