GLASGOW, Ky. — A lot has changed since Lee Bratcher was born in rural Hart County in 1926.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bratcher marked his 100th birthday surrounded by his children, friends and fellow residents at Highland Ridge Assisted Living in Glasgow.

For Melinda Page, the facility’s administrator, the celebration marked another milestone in a relationship that began years ago.

“This is one big home with a lot of different people in it,” Page said. “For me, it’s honestly for me just been a treasure getting to know him and honestly getting to celebrate him the last six years.”

Bratcher grew up as one of five children during the Great Depression. Like many children in rural communities at the time, he attended one-room schools and eventually left school to help his family.

His family moved around the community, and the schools he attended taught different grades from year to year. Bratcher completed the eighth grade before he left school to help on the family farm.

“Because of his family moving around in the community, and how each school taught the different grades from one year to the next, he was only able to go through the eighth grade before he needed to help in a bigger way on the farm,” Page said.

Farming remained a central part of Bratcher’s life.

He and Betty G. Reynolds had dated before Bratcher entered the Army. After returning home from Europe, the two married on Nov. 5, 1949.

Together, they bought a farm in Hart County, where they raised cattle and tobacco and expanded their operation over the years. They also raised three children: Pam, James and Don.

Bratcher’s life also included military service.

He registered for the Selective Service on Sept. 4, 1943, and entered the Army in November 1945. He spent nearly two years stationed in Europe before returning home.

Faith also played an important role in Bratcher’s life.

He became a longtime member of Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church and served the church in several roles, including deacon, treasurer, moderator, building committee member and pastor search committee member.

“While he made sure his family was in church every week, the main thing he tried to do was make sure his kids had a strong foundation of faith and desire to serve God and the people around them,” Page said.

Page said people also sought Bratcher’s advice and counsel throughout the years, even encouraging him to run for political office. He never did.

Bratcher continued farming and living independently until about seven years ago, when he and Betty moved to Highland Ridge.

One week after the couple moved into the facility, Betty died.

She died Oct. 7, 2019, nearly 70 years after the couple married.

“Their commitment to each other was evident throughout their lives, allowing them to be just one month shy of their 70th anniversary when she passed,” Page said.

Bratcher remained at Highland Ridge, where he has formed friendships with residents and staff.

On Wednesday, those friendships helped fill the room as residents gathered in the cafeteria to celebrate a century of Bratcher’s life.

They joined in singing “Happy Birthday” and watched as Bratcher opened a gift from the facility: a new vest similar to one he had owned and worn often.

Cards can be mailed to Bratcher at Highland Ridge Assisted Living, 180 Scottie Dr., Glasgow, KY 42141.