Riley William Bratton

Dr. Riley William (R.W.) Bratton of Big Pine Road in Marshall, NC passed away December 2, 2017 at CarePartners hospice in Asheville, NC at the age of 71.  He was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Arlie Bratton, and mother, Annie Lee Bratton, of Columbia, Louisiana.

Riley leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Diann Bratton, of the home, and two sons of whom he was extremely proud--Jason Bratton of San Francisco, CA and Ryan Bratton of Charlotte, NC.  He is also survived by one sister, Frances Wardlaw, of Minden, LA.

Riley's life work was educating the youth of our country, first in Shreveport, LA for 20 years, and later in Charlotte, NC for 20 years.  During that time he was repeatedly recognized as a stellar educator and won many awards for his service.

Riley's continuous love was for the majestic mountains of the Blue Ridge in North Carolina and God granted his wish to live there in his last 10 years of life.  He resided at the base of a beautiful mountain beside a continuously flowing bold stream.  Each morning he walked his beloved dog, Sammy, up that mountain so Sammy could roam free and so Riley could pray and meditate upon the goodness of God and the beauty that surrounded him.

When asked why he didn't retire to the beach instead, Riley would reply, "Don't you know that Moses didn't meet God on a beach?  He met Him on a mountain."  Every morning Riley met God on a mountain and now he meets Him face to face.

Riley leaves his family and friends with wonderful memories.  He was truly an original.  We shall not see his like again.
 

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