Wilmer A. "Sonny" Brantley

Wilmer A. “Sonny” Brantley Nash County has lost a good friend and community advocate. Wilmer A. “Sonny” Brantley, 94, passed away on December 9, 2023, following a brief illness. He was the seventh child of the late Sylvester and Dona Brantley of Stanhope. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie L. Brantley, and nine of his siblings. Sonny is survived by his son, Dr. David S. Brantley of Nashville, daughter Candace Brantley, and his granddaughter and “buddy,” Sarah Brantley, both of Greensboro. He is also survived by his brother, Charles F. Brantley, and wife Toni of Stanhope, numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends. Sonny was born and raised in the Stanhope community. He graduated from Spring Hope High School and attended Appalachian State University on a baseball scholarship. His formal education was cut short by his father’s death, requiring him to return home to help support his mother. Sonny served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He married Elsie Little on February 13, 1955. Sonny began his 37-year career with North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance in 1962. He was known for his strong work ethic and his dedication to his customers. During his time with Farm Bureau, he received many state and national awards recognizing his outstanding performance in the insurance industry. As a lifelong resident of Nash County, Sonny was involved in many local organizations. He was a member of Nashville American Legion Post 110 where he held numerous offices over the years and spent countless hours supporting their mission. He was also involved in the local 4-H helping to raise funds for the Meat Animal Show and Sale. His efforts were recognized with his induction into the North Carolina 4-H Hall of Fame. Sonny also served on the Board of Directors at Nash General Hospital and the Foundation Board for Nash Community College. Sonny was well known for his lifelong support of North Carolina State University Athletics. He was an avid and proud member of the Wolfpack Club and attended many football and basketball games with family and friends. He prided himself on being an excellent provider for his family. Sonny was immensely proud of his wife and children, and he thoroughly enjoyed becoming a grandfather in 2004, spending countless hours with his “buddy” Sarah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Sonny’s memory to the Elsie L. Brantley Nursing Scholarship in care of Nash Community College Foundation, 522 N. Old Carriage Road, P.O. Box 7488, Rocky Mount, NC, 27804. To protect the health and well-being of all, the family asks that masks be worn at the visitation and funeral service. Feel free to wear something red to honor Sonny’s love for the NC State Wolfpack. A visitation will be held at 5:30pm-7:00pm at Cornerstone Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Rolfe and Rev. Roy Porter officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. Family request that masks be worn.

Tributes

Wilmer A. "Sonny" Brantley

October 16, 1929 - December 9, 2023