HC was born to Harold Brantley and Evelyn Mauldin Brantley in Beevile, Texas on November 14, 1933. He was older brother “T” to his brother Joe (Milam). Growing up in Sinton, and then La Pryor, he worked hard on the family farm and was active in school sports and band. His father, who was also his high school chemistry teacher, saw that he was gifted in chemistry and encouraged HC to consider chemistry as a career.
HC did just that, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, while also playing sousaphone in the Longhorn Marching Band.
He worked briefly for Olin, then served in the US Air Force for two years, fulfilling his ROTC obligations by supervising aircraft maintenance crews, ultimately achieving the rank of captain. It was while he was home on leave in 1957 that HC met Kay Wood. They married before year’s end and became a strong, lifelong team together. Kay gave birth to their firstborn, Karen, while HC was still in the service.
Once HC became a veteran, Olin welcomed him back to Lake Charles, Louisiana as a chemical engineer. The family grew with the birth of Clay, then Kristine. Lake Charles was their home until HC retired from Olin in 1996 after a long, successful career with Olin. Kay and HC then moved to Marble Falls, where they embarked on their new careers as retiree grandparents.
HC had many passions, including gardening, outdoor grilling, bird watching and counting, photography, and traveling the world. He and Kay often went dancing. He had every tool needed and imaginable. He often showed his love through service to others, including his active membership in the Lake Charles Kiwanis Club.
HC was active in the church his entire life. He was an ordained Presbyterian elder, served on church boards and committees, taught church classes, and sang in the choirs. He and Kay were faithful members of First United Methodist Church in Marble Falls where the choir was an important part of their lives.
Where his heart lay deepest was with his family, both close and extended. He was a fixture at family gatherings and reunions, keeping track of whoever was absent, inquiring into everyone’s well-being, and taking photos of all the action. He and Kay often traveled to help family anytime there was need. They threw “Brantley Bashes” annually for their grandchildren. A family highlight was when HC and Kay took their children’s families together on an Alaskan cruise in 2008 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
HC is survived by his wife Kay; his children and their spouses Karen (Doug), Clay (Crysta), and Kristine (Mark); his grandchildren Drew (Julie), Leslie, James, Michaela, Joel, and Zara; his brother Milam “Joe” (Bea); and many beloved cousins.
The family gives special thanks to Visiting Angels, especially caregivers Delayna Watson, Lisa Parent, and others who love HC and Kay and served them well. They are dependable, dedicated, caring, and efficient.
There will be a memorial service celebrating HC’s life at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls, Texas. The family will hold a private internment service at the Humphrey Cemetery near Martindale on a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls, Texas or to the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
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