Charles Brantley

Charles Frederick Brantley, 91, of Spring Hope, died Tuesday, October 22, 2024, following a brief illness. He was born the ninth of eleven children of the late Sylvester and Dona Brantley of Stanhope. He graduated from Spring Hope High School and Hardbarger Business College. Charles served two years in the US Army, stationed at Camp St Barbara, South Korea. 

Charles spent his life surrounded by tobacco. He grew up on a tobacco farm, and after returning home from Korea, began work at Imperial Tobacco Company in Wilson. He later worked at James I Miller, then at Standard Commercial Tobacco Company as VP of Processing, where he also managed the redrying plant in Springfield, Kentucky. As well as his time with the tobacco companies, he worked part-time for the Wilson County tax office listing property taxes. In retirement, he returned to live in the Stanhope community. He enjoyed going back to his roots, working outside, with many hours enjoyed mowing and tending his yard. 

Charles enjoyed volunteering and was involved in various local organizations. He was a youth baseball coach in Wilson at several age levels. He was an active member of the Nashville American Legion Post 110, where he spent years supporting their mission, including as post commander. He enjoyed assisting with the Stanhope Volunteer Fire Department’s biannual fundraiser. He volunteered in both Wilson and in Nash County as a voting poll worker and ballot counter. He spent numerous hours helping in the Faith Christian Ministries store in Spring Hope.

Charles loved sports and played football, basketball, and baseball in high school. Baseball was what he truly loved and continued playing during his time in the Army. He also supported NC State athletics, starting in the 1940s, attending many football and basketball games with his brother Sonny.

He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed spending time fishing, picking blueberries, and touring the farm with his grandchildren as they visited out in the country. He was also the proud parent to two Jack Russell terriers, Kirby and Kacie.

Charles is survived by his wife Toni Overman Brantley; daughter Kathy Brantley of Wilson; son, Chris Brantley (Joyce) of Parker, CO; granddaughter, Laura Brantley of Denver, CO; grandsons, Mark Brantley (Stephanie) of Charlotte and Greg Brantley (Emma) of Omaha, NE; great-grandson, James Brantley; step-daughter, Sheri Sammons of Wilson; step-son, William Sammons (Gigi) of Knightdale; granddaughters, Sydney Sammons and Piper Sammons of Knightdale; and special grand dog, Charlie Dog Brantley.

Mr. Brantley was preceded in death by his son, Charles Kenneth Brantley, MD; parents, Sylvester and Dona Atkinson Brantley; and all ten of his siblings.

Funeral, Saturday, 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church Spring Hope, followed by visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org/donate

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com