Michael Bratton

Michael Bratton, 55, is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior after a long hard-fought battle with cancer.

Mike was born on November 24th, 1962 to Dean and Doris Bratton. He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, attending Presbyterian Day School, Briarcrest Christian School, Christian Brothers University, and Memphis State University. An actor and entertainer, Mike discovered a love for radio broadcasting from listening to Rick Dees and began his career working on The Breakfast Club at KIX106 in Memphis. He later moved to Jackson, Tennessee to host his own show at WTNV, where he met his wife, Jennifer. They hosted The Bratton and Knight show, getting engaged live on the air in 1992, and were married in 1993. Mike’s career eventually led him back to Memphis where he worked for various stations as an on-air talent and production director and as a producer for Love Worth Finding Ministries. He was very involved in the music and drama ministry of Bellevue Baptist Church, working for many years on both The Singing Christmas Tree and Memphis Passion Play productions. After the family moved to the Birmingham, Alabama area in 2007, Mike continued to freelance as an actor, drama teacher, and voice-over talent. He was an active member of Hunter Street Baptist Church where he could often be found teaching, working in the children’s drama ministry, or singing in the choir.

Mike and Jennifer have two children, Emma (19) and Ben (14), who are following their father’s creative endeavors. Emma is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Wright State University and Ben is developing his talents in the visual arts.

All who knew Mike recognized that he loved an audience and always had a story for every occasion, which he would tell with much embellishment and flair. One of his greatest joys was making people laugh. No one could beat him at Trivial Pursuit, his encyclopedic Star Trek knowledge was legendary, and he was an awesome shield during Nerf gun wars. Mike also had a love for the Bible and its truth and was a steadfast defender of God’s word.

Mike is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jennifer (Schlenker), his children, Emma and Ben, of Helena, Alabama, his parents, Dean and Doris (Canerdy) Bratton of Oakland, Tennessee his sister, Michelle, of Walls, Mississippi, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other family members.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for Saturday, February 17th from 1-3 p.m. at Hunter Street Baptist Church with services immediately following. A second visitation is scheduled for Sunday, February 18th, from 1-3 p.m. at Forest Hill Funeral Home East with services and interment following. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike’s life. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to LifeChoices of Memphis at lcfriends.org or 5575 Raleigh-LaGrange Memphis, TN 38134 or to an educational fund for his children c/o David Schlenker, 825 Schlenker Road, Anna, IL 62906.

The family is compiling special memories and stories about Mike to share with his children at a later date. If you would like to contribute or send a message to the family, you may do so by e-mailing forthebrattons@gmail.com or mailing to 2100 Third Avenue North, Suite 1100, Birmingham, AL 35203, Attn: Brattons.

Visitation

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ,Saturday, February 17, 2018
Hunter Street Baptist Church
2600 John Hawkins Pkwy Hoover, AL 35244
Notes: Visitation & Service will be held in the Chapel of HSBC.

Funeral Service

3:00 PM ,Saturday, February 17, 2018
Hunter Street Baptist Church
2600 John Hawkins Pkwy Hoover, AL 35244
Notes: Visitation & Service will be held in the Chapel of HSBC.

Visitation

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ,Sunday, February 18, 2018
Forest Hill Funeral Home East
Memphis, TN

Graveside

3:00 PM ,Sunday, February 18, 2018
Forest Hill Cemetery East
Memphis, TN