Charles McLaine Bratcher

Charles McLaine Bratcher, 83 of Arapahoe, NC passed to the care of the Lord on November 11, 2025 at his home.

Charlie was born in Fort Barnwell, NC in 1942 to Elsie Daly Wetherington and Jessie Harvey Bratcher. He graduated from New Bern High School in 1961 before heading to East Carolina for a brief stint before beginning his long career with the Telephone company. He met his partner and companion of 51 years Josie Shine Bratcher while working for Carolina Telephone in New Bern. With moves to Elizabeth City, Manteo, and Tarboro before finally returning down East where he wanted to stay. Charlie loved Dawson Creek almost as much as he loved Gun Smoke with no sound and his recliner. The retirement that he earned with over 42 years with the phone company and 5 years with the YMCA was spent worrying his wife and children and practicing for Gabby Hayes lookalike contests.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Anne. He is survived by his wife, Josie; daughter, Elizabeth; and sons, John (wife Teresa), Joe (wife Amanda), and Mark (wife Yasmin); and grandchildren, Jay, Andrew, Alyssa, Nora, McLaine, and Daphne; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at the Shine family cemetery, 99 Shine Dr. Arapahoe, NC, at 2pm on November 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Samaritan’s Purse.