Riley William Bratton

Message from Don Harrold

Stunned is all I can say. Dr. Bratton was a friend before he was a teacher. I didn't realize just how much he meant to me until years later when I had children of my own. When no one else believed in me, Dr. Bratton did. I'll never forget him and am sad I never got a chance to tell him in person how much he meant to me.

A candle was lit by Chad Teasley on March 2, 2018 6:08 PM

Message from Chad Teasley

I just learned of Dr. B's passing. I was privileged to be his student at Caddo Parish Magnet High School in the mid-80s, and the honor to be his friend via social media later in life. He was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of so many youth, and whose tremendous influence continues to resonate. I intend to teach history upon my retirement from the Navy in a few years...And that desire is due entirely to the seeds Dr. Bratton planted as I sat enthralled in his class three decades ago. My deepest condolences go out to his beloved family.

Sincerely,
Chad Teasley
CDR, USN
Pearl Harbor, HI

A candle was lit by Chad Teasley on February 2, 2018 3:30 PM

Message from Allan Duckworth

Dianne I was truly shocked to hear of Dr.Brattons passing. Please know that you and the family are in my prayers. I will miss his mentoring and the anecdotes of his life.

Message from John Gilliam III - Class of '76

It is with great sadness to hear of Dr. Bratton's passing from this life. He was a man of purpose and conviction, and we are all made better through his dedication and passion for education, and his love for those both he and Mrs. Bratton positively touched. Please accept my sincere condolences, and may God grant his peace during this time of bereavement.

Message from Kristi Sandifer Gardner

Dr. Bratton will be missed by many. He was such a great teacher and friend. I loved knowing him at First Baptist and as a teacher at Magnet. History was not my strong suit or passion but he had a way of making it enjoyable. I loved that he reconnected with all of us on Facebook. He cared not only about teaching youth but the lives of everyone. He was truly a great man.

Message from Craig Beeman

Dr. B. He taught us to think about history. Loved his class at Caddo Magnet. He was a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed.

Message from Bruce Williams

I have many fond memories of Riley Bratton, he was able to captivate the minds of his students and made his classes so much fun that many of us who had him for American History in our Junior year would take Humanities in our Senior year at Huntington just to see what he would do next. I remember when he graduated with a doctorate and someone asked if we had to call him Doctor and he replied: "Only always, and especially in public."

Message from Shaunielle Cotton

I had the pleasure of having Dr. Bratton as a teacher in high school. It truly was a pleasure. Not only did I learn, but I carried the impact of that classroom experience into my adult life. Years later, he continued to teach me when we connected on social media. I will miss his insight and humor. May God comfort his family and all those who knew him.

A candle was lit by Shaunielle Cotton on December 13, 2017 1:58 PM

A candle was lit by Honour Ferguson Zucco on December 13, 2017 2:36 AM

Message from Allen Cooper

I am probably one of the few, who had the privilege of being a student of Ms. Bratton and Northwood, and Dr. Bratton, at Caddo Magnet. Not many families can brag of having 2 great educators in their ranks. My condolences to Ms. Bratton and all of Dr. Bratton's family. We will all greatly miss his vast knowledge, wisdom and humor.

A candle was lit by Allen Cooper on December 12, 2017 10:34 PM

Message from Raymond Cotton Jr

My condolences to the Bratton family. Dr. B. was one of my favorite teachers. I feel fortunate to have known him. If I can leave just half as great an impression on kids as he left on me, that would be great.

A candle was lit by Lisa Stringer-Lloyd on December 12, 2017 4:30 PM

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Family and friends of Dr. Bratton, please know that he was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. It sounds corny to say he was an inspiration or he was one of the best teachers I ever had- but it’s true. He was and he is. God bless you all and may His peace abound. Lisa Beavers S. Lloyd, Class ‘83

A candle was lit by Lori Garrett-Hatfield and Meg Garrett on December 12, 2017 2:46 PM

Message from Lori Hughes Garrett-Hatfield

Dr. Bratton was my teacher for three years that I was a Caddo Magnet. I loved his classes. He always made you think, he was sarcastic and funny, and he challenged me. He was extremely bright, and I have loved reconnecting with him on Facebook. I am so grateful my daughter and I had dinner with this wonderful man in January. We had plans to have dinner with him and his beautiful wife Diann in October, but it was not to be. He changed so many lives--I know he changed mine. I will miss him. I am praying for Diann and the boys.

Love,

Dr. Lori Garrett-Hatfield

Message from Robin Hart

Praying God's blessing upon you during this trying time. May He strengthen and comfort you. May your memories also give you comfort. Dr. Bratton was my American History teacher at Caddo Magnet. I'm glad I got the chance to see him at our last reunion and continued to communicate with him on Face Book. Sometimes I felt like I was back in school as he enlightened us and made us aware. He'll will truly be missed.

A candle was lit by Robin Hart on December 12, 2017 1:43 PM

Message from Alan Gardner, Costa Rica

My deepest condolences to Diann, Jason and Ryan on the passing of Dr. Bratton. He was truly a man among men and a gifted teacher as well as loving friend. I am so happy that he was able to devote his life to his passion and make a lasting imprint on the heart and minds of so many students and friends! It was an honor to have him as a teacher at Caddo Magnet so many years ago, but even a larger honor to call him a friend later in life! Nobody will ever know how far the ripples he caused in people's life will go, but I know without a doubt he was a tremendous agent for positive change in the lives of countless young adults like myself.

Peace to you and yours Doc!

A candle was lit by Ellyn Golub on December 12, 2017 12:51 PM

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I am so very sorry for your loss Diann, Jason and Ryan. I am an original Caddo Parish Magnet alum and remember Riley well although I never was fortunate enough to have him as a teacher. We actually did not connect until a few years ago on Facebook and then in person at the reunion last year. I will miss his wisdom, grace and ability to turn a phrase. I learned so much from him through our Facebook friendship that I envy those who sat in his classroom. Know that he left an eternal legacy among every student whose life he touched no matter at what point in their lives that influence happened. He was and is loved by so many and will be missed by all...may his memory always be for a blessing and may you all find comfort in the memories you have shared...

A candle was lit by Ellyn Golub on December 12, 2017 12:46 PM

A candle was lit by Hollie Hawkins-Rougeau on December 12, 2017 12:29 PM