Herbert Ronald Brantley

Herbert Ronald “Ronnie” Brantley was born on December 19,1936, to L. Marvin and Era Malone Brantley and passed from this life on September 22, 2026, at the age of 89 years, nine months, and three days. To know Ronnie was to love him; he could tell a story in the funniest way possible and always had a joke he was ready to share. He was truly a “people” person and seemed to know everybody. No matter where he went in a three parish area, he was always speaking to somebody, or someone was raising a hand in greeting with a hearty, “HI,Ronnie”. With that gift, he excelled in sales as was his career most of his working life.

His musical talent, both vocal and instrumental, was outstanding. He played the trumpet in the high school band and was presented with the John Philip Sousa award as a senior at Farmerville High School. His talent allowed him to start Northeast Louisiana State College as it was known at that time as a music major, but then decided on a different career path. He had a penchant for the guitar and liked “pickin’ and grinnin’” all his adult life. He had a beautiful, rich voice; he and three of his friends, Bobby Tucker, Peggy Tucker, and Joyce Stewart Albritton, formed their own gospel quartet, enjoying each other’s company and praising God. He and Mrs. Joyce remained close friends throughout their lives, staying in touch through cards at special occasions. He had a special love for Ward’s Chapel Church of Christ. When Ronnie was 12 years old, he and Billy Jack Booth were baptized by minister F. C. Bailey in Mr. Bob Stewart’s pond after church services one evening, with light provided by the headlights of the cars.

He adored his wife Linda of 48 years, and since her death in 2019, he has been ready to go be with her. They enjoyed each other’s company; they were not only in love, they liked each other, He loved all his children without reservation, and the camping trips they took with their sons were particularly cherished. No one could have loved his grandchildren and great- grandchildren any more than he. To say he was besotted with them is an understatement. Not to be compared to his family, but he really, really liked his four-footed creatures. Linda, his wife, was quite partial to her dogs, and Ronnie quickly learned to share that infatuation with her,

Ronnie is predeceased by his beloved wife and his parents; his siblings Maxine B. Davis(Dan), O. G. “Boone” Brantley (Sybil), Evelyn B. Washam(A. C,), and Kenneth L.”Pete” Brantley(Bobbie Jo), his daughter Sonya B. Elken, his great-granddaughter Leia Aldridge, and the mother of his children Anne T. Hickenlooper.

He leaves behind his daughters, Alitia B. Terry(Bob) of Satellite Beach, FL, and Julie B. Mouradian(Wally) of Ocala, FL; his sons, Gary Aldridge (Mary) of West Monroe, Mike Aldridge(Marcie) of Smithdale, MS; his grandchildren: Frank Terry of Satellite Beach, FL, Tammy Rhyne(Travis) of Palm Bay, FL, Shaunelle Sanford(James) of Cable, OH, Rainer Elken(Courtney) of Sarasota, FL, and Harli Mouradian of Ocala, FL, Josh Aldridge(Samantha) of West Monroe, and Billy Aldridge(Bradie) of Calhoun, Ashton Chisholm(Carey) of Smithdale, MS, WaIt Aldridge(Emily) of Hammond, and Mary Jane Aldridge of Smithdale, MS; great grandchildren Cody, Marie, Austin, Alex, Aaron, Ayden, Brantley, Weston, Emery, Lincoln, Hensley, and Evelyn; his sister -in-law Vicki McCarty of Monroe; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Ronnie was very blessed to have his friend from the first grade, Richard Patterson, faithfully visit him in the 4 years he lived at Onyx Care.

A special thanks and much gratitude goes to the staff of Onyx Care of Ruston for their kind and patient care of Ronnie these past 4 years and to Bristol Hospice of Minden.

If desired, any memorials may be left to the Ward’s Chapel Church of Christ, c/o March Davidson, 1326 Marion Hwy, Farmerville, LA 71241 or Columbia Church of Christ, P O. Box 846,Columbia, LA 71418. Ward’s Chapel was dear to his heart from his youth, and the Columbia church warmly embraced him in his later years, both being a lovely blessing in his life.

Memorial service pending.