Obituary of John W. Brantley

BRANTLEY, John W., Jr. John W. Brantley, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2011, at Sylvia's Hospice House after a long battle with esophageal cancer. Mr. Brantley was born on September 21, 1930 in Chester, SC, the son of the late Jack and Pearl Brantley. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jo Lowe of Chester, SC. He is survived by a brother Eugene Lonzo Brantley of Columbia, SC. Also surviving are his sons John W. Brantley III (Karen), Ocala; Scot Eugene Brantley, Ocala; Justin Brantley (Melissa), Tampa, FL, his daughters Kim Finn (Steve) Ocala, Kelly Compton (Chuck) Goose Creek, SC, and Tara Brantley, Ocala. 10 grandchildren - Kelly Evans (Shawn), Tyler Morgan, Trey Compton, Hannah Compton, Kristen Brantley, Katy Brantley, Morgan Brantley, John Brantley IV, Zane Baker, Brooke Brantley, several nieces and nephews, and his former wife Katrina C. Brantley of Ocala. Mr. Brantley has left his mark throughout the Southeast as the President of Structures, Inc., (Division of Ballenger Corp.), one of the largest bridge contractors in the State of Florida, while building hundreds of bridges throughout the Southeast, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge (Tampa Bay) being his prize project. John also initiated the start of the Marion County Youth Football League upon moving to Ocala in 1970, starting with five teams and a dream. It still exists today, having grown to thirty four teams and 1600 participants. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Korean conflict. Visitation for Mr. Brantley will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2011 from 5-7 PM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at First Baptist Church 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, with Dr. Edward D. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Marion County, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478, or the Marion County Youth Football League, PO Box 5489, Ocala, FL 34478.