Individual Details

Thomas Fulton Brantley, age 90, of North Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Zachary, La., departed this earth to be with his Savior on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, while at his home with his family. He was born March 29, 1917, the son of the late Anna Holimon and Thomas Fulton Brantley, of Crossett, Ark. He is survived by Melba Brantley, his loving wife of 65 years; his children, Nancy Clark, North Little Rock, Thomas Brantley, Gladewater, Texas, Bette Dunbar, Falls Church, Va., and Becky Cezar, Wichita, Kan.; his grandchildren, Denise Edwards, John Clark, Anna Huckaby, Amanda Adams, Sara Compton and Josh Compton; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edmond and Ralph; and sisters, Thelma, Bill, Mary and Margaret. Thomas was a graduate of Crossett High School, attended Monticello A&M, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1941. After meeting and marrying the former Melba Thornton, of Beebe, Ark., he later received his master's degree from Mississippi State University and his specialist degree from LSU. Thomas served his country in World War II in the U.S. Coast Guard. After serving his country, he started his work career as a county agent in central and southern Arkansas. He followed this with his principle career, teaching vocational agriculture in south Arkansas and Louisiana for the next 33 years. During his career, his FFA boys were distinguished, winning many awards and honors. He influenced the lives of many young men, encouraging them through their education and into their adult lives. "Mr. Brantley," being an active sportsman and outdoorsman, taught many young men, including his son, how to hunt and fish. He was rewarded with a long life and many friends. Family will receive friends on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at Hebron Methodist Church, Carlisle, Ark., with burial in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Beebe. Memorials may be made to the Hebron Methodist Church, c/o Bill Thornton, 8323 New Cut Road, Carlisle, AR 72024, www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Advocate on 2/9/2008.

I Had a Friend
At a critical time in my life I had a friend. He was a friend to a number of young men
A Teacher
Let me tell you a few things about this man:
a) He visited my home
b) He talked with my parents in person about me and my future
c) He took me to his home
d) He insisted that I get involved in extra curricular activities thru my FFA Chapter
e) He pushed me to the limit of my capability—out of my comfort zone
f) He encouraged me when I was down—He praised me when I did good
g) He made the arrangements and insisted I go to college
h) He came to see me at college
i) He spent his personal money from a teachers salary on me
j) He still calls and comes to see me after these 33 years
k) He keeps up with all his students even though he is now retired
An exceptional man—But what an impact he has had on my life.
Let me ask you a question—
Are you and I missing out on great opportunities to influence for good a child or a young person who needs a FRIEND?
Some children don't need to grow up like their parents and continue in that same environment and be satisfied with the same limited horizons that they are exposed to day after day.
There is a shortage in many young lives of love, attention, praise, and encouragement.
If you and I are fortunate enough to have been the recipient of these ingredients of life—why not plant the seed for someone else to have a more satisfying and productive life.
AFTER ALL—Isn't that what life is all about?

Written by Charles Hackett, Mr. Brantley's student, mentee and friend

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Birth	29 Mar 1917	Crossett, Ashley County, Arkansas
Marriage	15 Aug 1942	Melba Thornton
Death	6 Feb 2008	North Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas
Obituary	9 Feb 2008	Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Burial		Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Beebe, White County, Arkansas

Spouse	Melba Thornton (1922 - 2014)
Child	Living
Child	Living
Child	Living
Child	Living

Father	Thomas Fulton Brantley Sr. (1886 - 1949)
Mother	Mary Magdaline "Anna" Holimon (1887 - 1981)
Sibling	Edmond Campbell Brantley (1919 - 1976)
Sibling	Louis Carlton "Arkansas" Brantley (1922 - 2010)
Sibling	Ralph Gustavis Brantley (1924 - 2000)
Sibling	Lois Janet "Sally" Brantley (1928 - 2013)
Sibling	Mollie Elizabeth Brantley ( - )