Mr. Joe "A.J." Brantley
Augusta Newsprint Retiree - General Maintenance

North Augusta, SC - Mr. Joe "A.J." Brantley, 82, of North Augusta, SC, husband of sixty-three years to Jewell Mae Weathersbee Brantley and son of the late James Allen and the late Fannie Lou Graham Brantley, entered into rest at his home on Thursday, September 9th, 2010.

Born in Uvalda, GA, he was a resident of Aiken County, SC for over seventy years. He retired from Augusta Newsprint after twenty-seven years of service and was a member of the United Paperworkers International Union Local #1504. A World War II Veteran, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a member of Hillview Baptist Church, Graniteville, SC and former member of Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Langley, SC, where he served as a deacon and teacher of the Men's Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the former Albert Pike Masonic Lodge now known as Horsecreek Masonic Lodge #174. His hobbies included fishing, golfing, watching Braves baseball and Gamecock football. His greatest passion was spending time with his family. He was a man of strong Christian faith and a great example to all that knew him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Marvis Baynham (the late Byron Baynham) and Trudie Mixon (Billy), both of North Augusta, SC; three grandchildren, Britt Baynham (Erin), Scott Baynham and Patti Levins (Brian), all of North Augusta, SC and a great-granddaughter, Savannah Baynham. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, five sisters and six brothers.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, September 13, 2010, at 2 o'clock at Hillview Baptist Church, Graniteville, SC with Dr. Ronald Moore and Dr. Eldon Tucker officiating. Interment with veterans honors and masonic rites were accorded in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville, SC. Pallbearers were Brian Levins, Britt Baynham, Scott Baynham, Tim Brantley, Todd Brantley and Tommy Brantley. Honorary Pallbearers were Thomas Rump and Austin Morris.

Hatcher Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Langley, SC