BRATCHER, WILLIAM RICHARD (DICK), PFC, Co. M, 117th Inf. SN: 1309.706. He was born August 1893, Pleasant Valley, Wayne County, Tennessee, the son of Anthony Wayne and Martha E. HAYS BRATCHER. He married first about 1916 to Florence BREWER (21/24 Jan 1899 – 8 Feb 1920), daughter of John V. and Sallie B. BROWN BREWER. He married second abt. 1925 to Clarissa WILSON, daughter of daughter of Wesley and Amanda WHITTEN WILSON. They did not have any children.

Dick was inducted on 2 Oct 1917 at Waynesboro, Tennessee. He was 25 years old and by occupation a farmer. He was described as 5″9, ruddy complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. He was discharged at Fort Oglethorpe GA on 16 April 1919. During the War he served in Belgium and France and was in several major battles of the war: on the Hindenburg Line near Bbell Court and Neurox France from 29 to 30 Sep 1918, Foucheaux and Geneva France 7 Oct 1918, and others. Dick died in the 1970’s and is buried at Railroad Cemetery, Wayne County, Tennessee. His wife, Clarissa is still living and is a resident of the Wayne County Nursing Home, Waynesboro, Tennessee.

Editorial Note: This bio was written in 1990.