Ollie Bratcher Jr., 76

WILMINGTON - Ollie Bratcher Jr., of Wilmington, departed this life Thursday, April 10, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76.

He was the son of the late Ollie Bratcher Sr. and Evelyn Sullivan, born Aug. 27, 1931, in Dover.

Ollie received his early education in the public schools of Dover.

He attended Smyrna High School and Booker T. Washington.

Some of Ollie's pastimes were watching Westerns, boxing, fishing and roller skating. Ollie rollerskated so much that he wore the wheels down and then took his sister Pearl's skates.

Before moving to Wilmington, Ollie worked at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Ollie was enlisted in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged.

He had many happy days with his family, and talked about how sharp he used to be back in the day.

Upon coming to Wilmington, Ollie met Luetta Pritchett, and from this union, his son Kenneth was born.

Ollie's last place of employment was at Emily Bissell Hospital until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

He is survived by his devoted companion, Luetta Pritchett; sons, Kenneth Pritchett of Wilmington, and Gregory, Donald and Ollie III, all of Dover; daughters, Mary Sudler, Arlene, Lindsey and Alice Bratcher, all of Dover; eight stepchildren, including Karen Pritchett, who was his caregiver; one sister, Pearl Bratcher Roach; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Tower of Power Full Gospel Baptist Tabernacle, 313 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington.

Funeral services will be noon Friday in the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover, where friends may also call two hours prior to the service.

Interment will be private.