A much-loved father and grandfather, Eugene "Papaw" Bratton , 88, of Grenada, Mississippi, returned to his heavenly home on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Eugene was born March 16, 1927, in Scobey, MS to the late William Henry and Fannie L. Bratton . He was a graduate of Oakland High School. Eugene enjoyed fifty-three years of marriage to his beloved Mary Catherine.

Eugene served the United States Army in World War II, as a Company Clerk in Germany. After returning from service, he worked at Pennaco Hosiery Mill until he pursued a career with Field Enterprises Educational Corp. as a District Manager. In his later years, he sold insurance, real estate, and conducted real estate appraisals. He was widely known, however, by his long list of other roles such as: softball coach, gardener, Sunday school teacher, cheerleader chauffer, handyman, impromptu comedian, expert storyteller, and most importantly, everyone's Papaw. A die-hard Atlanta Braves fan and a devoted Ole Miss Rebel, Eugene was an enthusiastic sports lover. His love for sports was instilled in his grandchildren , and he spent countless hours coaching and enjoying their games over the years. He never met a stranger, and will be remembered for his contagious laughter and his smile that could light the town.

Eugene is survived by his daughters, Shirley B. McNeer of Winona, Barbara Bratton of Grenada, and Libby B. McPhail and husband Wayne of Grenada; his granddaughters Stephanie Walker, Amy Hartley, Lynsie Carpenter, Laney McNeer, and Genie McNeer; his great-grandchildren Bratton and Peyton Willoughby, Ava Bondurant, and Hannah and Adam Hartley; his twin sister Irene McMahan; his niece Amanda Newman, and her children Anna and Spencer; and his many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine Bratton ; his son, Donnie Eugene Bratton ; his parents Will and Fannie Bratton ; his nephew Kenny Newman; and his six brothers and three sisters.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate a life well-lived at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada on Tuesday, June 23rd at 5:00 p.m., followed by a sunset graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada. Visitation will be held Monday, June 22nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and Tuesday, June 23rd from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Dr. Brent Barker and Brother Eugene Heimbach will conduct the services. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service will handle the arrangements. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you make donations in his memory to the Mitchell Bays Turner Pediatric fund ( www.mitchellsfund.org ).