William Jesse Brantley

Martinez, GA – Mr. William Jesse Brantley, 87, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023.

Mr. Brantley was born in Aiken, son of the late Jesse Case and Joan Donovan Brantley.  He attended Clemson College and then served in the US Army.  After leaving the Army, he began working at the Savannah River Plant as a metallurgist.  For a number of years, he coached Little League Baseball, mentoring young Aikenites and creating the fondest of memories that remained with him. He was an avid Clemson football fan and member of the IPTAY Club.  He was very proud of his Irish heritage and his great-grandparents' role in establishing the Catholic Churches in the Edgefield and Mine Creek areas.  Bill was a leading member of the Aiken Knights of Columbus Council, becoming a legend and historian.  He was the Grand Knight (president) when the new council home was built in 1968.  He remained an active member throughout his time in Aiken, later moving to the Augusta Chapter.  He was a key member of the Columbus Club, a subcommittee of the council that operated the bar, cooked steaks for rentals, and maintained the building.  As a Fourth Degree Knight, he served on the color corps for many statewide exemplifications.  Bill also served as state representative from his Aiken council and a mentor for new members and officers.  He and Shirley attended every function, demonstrating the principles of the Knights.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Brooks Brantley; daughter, O’Donna B. Black (Bill), Sebastian, FL; step sons, Mark Walls (Kim), Grovetown, Michael Walls, VA, and Jeffrey Walls, Martinez, GA; grandchildren, Taylor Strange, Amanda O’Keefe, Ashley Jordan, Colin Black, and Kyle Black; sister, Joan Digirolamo, Columbus, OH.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, and the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Park Ave., with Father Orlando Serrano-Ardila celebrant.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, (https://www.olvcenter.org/)

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Mr. Brantley’s online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhousefuneralhome.com