William Thomas Brantley

William Thomas Brantley (89) passed away peacefully February 15, 2021.

He was "Billy" to his childhood cousins; "Bill" to friends and family; "Dr. Brantley" to thousands of students; "Doc" to basketball buddies; "The bike man" to hundreds of the homeless in Pensacola who were blessed by his mechanical skills and giving nature; and a very much loved Dad/Pop/Grandaddy/Grandpa.

Bill was born in Trenton, Mississippi, on August 5, 1931, to William A. Brantley and Robbie Thomas Brantley. He graduated from Satartia High School (one of his favorite annual reunions to attend). He loved learning, and even after completing his doctorate at the University of Southern Mississippi, he would continue to attend summer seminars at universities around the country. He also loved to travel - driving through nearly every state to explore interesting geological features.
After moving multiple times in his life, Bill and his family settled in Pensacola in 1965, where he taught physical sciences at Pensacola State College from 1965-1995. Even after he retired in 1995, he continued to teach as an adjunct until 2009. He was much more than just a professor, though. He organized the county science fair for many years, judging projects both at the county and school levels. He was involved in intramural sports and was especially fond of basketball. On the weekends, "Doc" would open the PJC gym to allow people from all walks of life to have a place to play pick-up basketball. In 2018, he was part of the inaugural class of inductees to the Pensacola State College Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedication to both the college and to basketball.

Bill also loved "tinkering" on cars and lawn mowers and anything else with a combustible engine. During his short stint in the Army as a young man, he petitioned for a transfer into the motor pool (after having originally been placed in an office position). In his later years, he focused more of his "tinkering" on bicycles. And in the homeless ministry of Gateway Church, he found a perfect match - his repair skills with the transportation needs of the homeless.

Bill was married to his wife, Clarice P. Brantley, for 54 years until her death in 2009. They had three children, Tom (Sherry) Brantley, Tim Brantley, and Betsy (Anissa) Brantley; two grandchildren, Julia Brantley and Kristen (Jeff) Moore; and two great-grandchildren.
He was blessed with a beautiful second marriage to Patsy Reynolds Brantley, and enjoyed a decade of joy and love with her three children, Tracy (Pam) Reynolds, Donna (Kin) Ellis, and Randy (Sandy) Reynolds, along with 7 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife Patsy Reynolds Brantley, his sister Eleanor (Chuck) Dauenhauer, and an abundance of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews who will greatly miss his smile, his quirky humor, and his capacity for loving others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. William T. Brantley Endowed Scholarship at Pensacola State College (or the charity of your choice).

The family is planning a visitation service at a later date.

To send condolences please visit www.watersandhibbert.com

WATERS & HIBBERT FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.