Bill Bratcher

Bill Bratcher, 79, of Amarillo, Texas, passed from this life on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born to Earl and Frances Bratcher on December 22, 1945, in Roswell, New Mexico. 

In 1954, Bill’s family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where his parents ran a Whiting Brothers full-service filling station on Historic Route 66 during the iconic 1950s. Growing up around the station during this vibrant time ignited Bill’s lifelong love of cars. A passion that became a defining feature of his life. From the classic cruisers of the fat-fendered forties to anything with wheels, Billy found joy in building, restoring, and collecting hot rods. 

Billy’s deep appreciation and love for cars reflected his ability to connect with people and the golden era of American motoring. This passion became the source of countless friendships and memories over the years, a legacy he passed on to his children and grandchildren. 

Beyond his love of cars, Billy also met the love of his life, Gayle, at the filling station when they were kids. Billy and Gayle married in 1964 and shared 55 beautiful years, raising three children, Connie, Billy Dean, and Mistie Gayle. 

For many years, Billy dedicated himself to serving his community as a firefighter with the Amarillo Fire Department. He took great pride in his role as a driver, a position he cherished. Billy often said the best part of his job was driving the big rig, lights flashing and sirens blaring as he was blowing through traffic lights on his way to answer an alarm. His passion for the excitement and responsibility of helping others defined his career. 

As his plumbing and heating business grew busier, Billy made the decision to leave the fire department to focus on his business and ensure that he had ample time for his family and vast hobbies. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his family paved the way for a successful career and a strong foundation for his children. 

The next phase of Billy’s life brought him immense joy as a grandfather. He adored his grandchildren, often saying “If I knew they’d be this much fun, I would have had them first!” Billy was especially blessed to help raise two of his grandchildren, Breanna and Tanner, after the passing of their father, Billy Dean. His unwavering devotion to his grandchildren provided them with a strong and loving home. 

Billy’s life was marked by devotion to his family, service to his community, and a sense of humor and generosity that brought joy to everyone around him. He is survived by his best friend and brother Leigh (Rudy) Bratcher. His daughters, Connie (Terry) Antwine and Mistie Gayle (Philip) Diamond, and grandchildren Breanna, Tanner, Kelsie, Raini, Cody, and Haili, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gayle, his son, Billy Dean, and his parents, Earl and Frances Bratcher. 

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on January 29, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Chapel at 1100 am. In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia Society in honor of his love for Gayle. 

Billy’s legacy of love, service, and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.