Thomas Ferrell Bratcher's Obituary
Tom was born on May 13, 1922 to parents Claude and Maggie Bratcher in Heath, TX. He passed away on May 2, 2021 in Dallas, TX.
Tom graduated High School at the age of 17 and immediately went to work for Neuhoff Brothers Meat Packing Company. He was proud to have served his country in WWII, with his entire time in New Guinea, installing radar in planes. After returning from his tour with the Army, Tom resumed his work with Neuhoff's. He started at the bottom and worked all the way up to CEO. He retired from Neuhoff in 1972. He was affectionately called:"Lightnin," due to the speed by which he purchased cattle from auction.
During his career, he became a pilot and pilot instructor. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years. He also volunteered at Big Baylor(Dallas) for many years as well as at Soup Kitchen, Downtown Dallas, serving meals and teaching Bible classes to the homeless. He was tireless at helping others in need, no matter what. He also worked with Bryans House for special needs children. They gave him the nickname: The Tool Man. He was an avid reader, especially history and great at crossword puzzles.
He was recognized by the city of Dallas for being the Volunteer of the Year and received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a volunteer for many years a the State Fair of Texas as he worked with the 4H and FFA organizations. He also worked with the Texas Baptist Churches, building and repairing their facilities as well as Foreign Missions, building new start churches. He served as an active Deacon for many years at Wilshire Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and volunteered as a Minister in the County jails.
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