Bratton Alvis Wallace

Bratton Alvis Wallace, 81, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2022, following a lengthy illness.  He was living at Parkway Village in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was born on August 9, 1941 in Kennett, Missouri to the very proud parents, Wilson Bratton and Marianna Wallace.   He was a blond, blue-eyed boy who wanted to be involved in almost everything.  He excelled in his studies, even sitting as state president for Beta Club and FFA.  He also enjoyed raising prize-winning hogs, playing basketball, being a member of the marching band, and more.  He graduated from Senath-Hornersville High School in 1959. 

After high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and briefly attended their School of Law.  He had a lot of dreams for his future.  Unfortunately in 1962 while on his way to a party honoring his newly married sister and her husband in Starkville, Mississippi, he was in a terrible car accident that change the course of his life. Even though Bratton was in the backseat, he was critically injured and in the hospital for a few months.  He spent many months recuperating at his parents’ home, and his dreams for the future had to be adjusted. 

In 1967 he married a young teacher from southwestern Arkansas named Barbara Smith, who had accepted a job in Senath.  In 1972 he finally graduated from the University of Missouri.  He and that young teacher were married 55 years.  They were blessed with two wonderful children, Betty Wallace of Little Rock and Mark Wallace (Kristy) of Bryan, Texas, as well as three beautiful granddaughters, Mikayla Shirley and Lynley Shirley of Little Rock, and Evelyn Wallace of Bryan. 

Bratton was a member of the Walnut Street Church of Christ and Pleasant Valley Church of Christ for many years.  He worked hard at various jobs and never knew a stranger.  He inspired many with his good nature while dealing with chronic pain.  He will be remembered fondly for his infectious laugh, bear hugs, funny stories, his genuine love for all people and his unparalleled ability to cheat at cards.  His absence leaves a hole in the hearts of his loving wife and family.

There will be a graveside service held on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Dunklin Memorial Gardens at 1724 Southwest Drive, Kennett, Missouri 63857.  Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 11300 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 200, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.