Obituary of DeWitt Talmadge Bratton, Jr.

D. Talmadge Bratton, Jr. (80) was born to DeWitt Talmadge, Sr. and Esther Whiteside Bratton and raised in Clifton Forge, VA. In his early career, he managed Kroger stores in Roanoke, where he met his wife of 46 years, Teresa Foutz Bratton. Talmadge and Teresa built and ran a successful business together for 35 years–Minuteman Press, later T&T Copy and Print on Williamson Road–and raised their family in Boones Mill, VA and later in the Hollins area of Roanoke. They spent many wonderful days at their cabin on Craig Creek, canoeing and kayaking, and took numerous trips to Colorado and Connecticut to spend time with their children and grandchildren.

Always active and on the move, Talmadge took great joy and pride in building rock walls and landscaping his properties. While his children were in college, he enjoyed reading the same books they were reading in their courses and discussing together when they were home from school. Talmadge had a deep love of nature and connected with his spirituality when walking in the mountains and paddling the streams of Virginia. He revered wilderness as something sacred that represented a truth larger than himself.

Talmadge passed at home on December 15, 2023, surrounded by his family and beloved hospice nurse Clara Micolupo. Talmadge is survived by his wife, Teresa, sons Mitchell Bratton (Durham, NC) and Chad Bratton (Eagle, CO), daughter Lyndsay Bratton (New London, CT), and five grandchildren: Randi Bratton; Breck, Aedric, and Elias Bratton; and Otto Bratton-Binkowski. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Nancy Foutz McGlothlin; four brothers-in-law: Steve Foutz (Toni), Dennis Foutz (Jackie), Jay Foutz (Pat), and Rick Foutz (Kym); sister-in-law Angela Clay (Michael Yuhas); life-long friend Jack Rankin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins he held dear.

Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel. (540) 366-0707.