Joseph Steven Brantley, affectionately known as "Joe," was born in Chesterfield, South Carolina, on May 3, 1943, to Willa Blanche Meadows Brantley and Steve Brantley. He departed this life peacefully on January 17, 2025.

Joe was a man of quiet strength and a heart full of love for his family, friends, and community. Joe's life was defined by hard work, creativity, and dedication to the things he loved. He proudly served in the United States Army from June 1966 to September 1969. After his time in service, he built a career in trucking, working for Merita Flowers Bakery, Horace Mann Trucking Company, and Larry Wicker as a car detailer. A testament to his determination and work ethic, Joe achieved a significant milestone by becoming the proud owner and operator of his own 18-wheeler truck.

Beyond his career, Joe pursued many passions and hobbies. He enjoyed assembling intricate model cars, collecting unique coins, and sketching in his spare time. His lifelong love of automobiles was evident in how he spent time washing, maintaining, and admiring them. Joe was always willing to lend a helping hand, often fixing cars for friends, family, and neighbors who needed assistance. Joe also cherished the simple pleasures of life, like mowing his yard, and enjoyed making trips to South Carolina to visit the beach with his wife and family and bringing back fresh watermelons. For a time he operated a small produce store where he shared the fruits of his labor with the community.

Joe attended Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where his devotion to his faith extended to praying and reading his Bible daily. He carried his quiet strength into all aspects of his life. His grandchildren brought him immense pride, and he enjoyed moments of laughter and love with them. Joe also valued the camaraderie of his friends, spending time in their company and sharing stories and memories that brought joy to all.

Joseph Steven Brantley was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jessie L. Brantley; siblings Willie Meadows, Eugene Brantley, Julia Brantley Gross, and Johnny Brantley; stepson Kelvin Long; and great-granddaughter Destiny Long.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Children: Shirlene Brantley, Michelle Breamfield, Keesha (Victor) Williams, and Kimberly Long Grandchildren: Kamisha Pinckney, Jessica Bernard, Joy Darden, Travaughn (Ebony) Long, Kandice (Dion) McCall, Victor Williams II, Kyra Ross, Cierra Roberts, Nyrea Long Great-Grandchildren: Namiia Gordon, Aubree Lytle, Paris Williams, Ivory Long, Lauren Kelly, and Nixon Baldwin and Easton McCall Siblings: Ruth Williams, Nina Ballentine, Nellie Dean, Donald Brantley, Roy Brantley, Samuel Brantley, Billy Brantley, Jennie Wharton, Bennie Brantley, Jennifer Long, Karen Keit, and Darlene Ziglar Aunt: Mary Williams.

Joe's life was a testament to the importance of family, faith, and hard work. Whether on the road, at home, or with loved ones, he approached life with dedication and an appreciation for the people around him.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories, and a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.