William Brantley
After a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease, William B. Brantley entered into rest on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
William was born in Ruston, on August 25, 1963 to Thomas E. and Burnelle W. Brantley. He grew up in the local school system graduating from Ruston High School in 1981 and attending Louisiana Tech.
He married the love of his life, Kelly Woodard Brantley, on June 26, 1993, and they were blessed with a precious daughter, Sara Larkin Brantley. Will was always known for a strong work ethic in any undertaking throughout his life. Initially, he worked in the construction industry and was employed by the T.L. James & Company, Inc. for 28 years.
Later in life he found his true calling working in law enforcement with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff ’s Department for almost 12 years. He especially enjoyed his years working as a K-9 officer with Yoeri. Will was a quiet man with a big heart and was well-loved by all those who knew him. He was always ready to be of assistance to those in need and only slowed down as his health declined.
An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting for many years, and more recently fishing in Leeville, while visiting with Terry Serigny and all the Leeville fishing family. In addition to the good food provided by catching speckled trout and redfish, he really enjoyed the sporting challenge of pulling in those large bull redfish alongside Kelly.
Another pastime he enjoyed was following Nick Saban and Alabama football, and everyone knew he was a big fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and he is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Kelly, and daughter, Sara, as well as his three brothers, Dr. Thomas Brantley (Paulette), Richard Brantley (Rebecca), and James Brantley (Jennifer).
Other family members who will cherish his memory are his dear parents-in -law, Glenn and Dianne Woodard; brother-in-law, Dyron Woodard (Michelle); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the kind and thoughtful friends and family who have been so helpful and supportive — Glenn and Dianne Woodard, Mark and RoJeana Roberts, Brian Vann, Alan and Jeannie Tinker, Tony and Colleen Durrett, Matt & Michelle Shively, Chip and Paige Pickett, Chad and Jessica Alexander, Darrell and Lisa Richardson, Sven and Wakako Eklund, Drew and Reecie Liles, Brad and Michelle Waller, Casey and Stacey Casady and many other dear friends and family members.
In addition to caring friends and family, the family would like to express their appreciation for the continued support given by Temple Baptist Church, Lincoln Parish Sheriff ’s Department, and Centric Federal Credit Union.
Finally, the family wishes to acknowledge the doctors which have provided such kind care — Dr. William “Billy” Smith, Dr. Mark Blackwelder, Dr. Rodney Reeves, Dr. Scott Boniol, and Dr. David Osafo.
Pallbearers will be Chad Alexander, Chip Pickett, Darrell Richardson, Mark Roberts, Matt Shively and Brian Vann. Visitation will be Monday, October 25, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church and there will be a celebration of his life on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in his memory to Temple Baptist Church. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
