Louis Garland "Lou" Brantley

Louis Garland “Lou” Brantley, 68, returned to his heavenly home on March 26, 2020 after a valiant battle with prostate cancer.  His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Due to our current health conditions in our community and government regulations for small gatherings there will be a private family service at Hobart Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Mullins, pastor, officiating. The service will be streamed live on Hobart Baptist Church’s Facebook page at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. 

There will be viewing available at Carmichael Whatley Funeral Home on Sunday, March 29, 2020 from 3:00 PM- 8:00 PM and on Monday from 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM.

Lou was born to the late Richard Brantley and Helen Adair in Pampa on October 26, 1951.  He attended Pampa schools, graduating from Pampa High School in 1970.  He excelled in baseball and played basketball in high school. He carried his love for sports on to his daughter and three grandsons.  After high school, Lou worked various oilfield and construction jobs before his retirement.  Lou was blessed with a loving family.  He married his best friend, Virginia Brantley, on August 20, 1978 in Pampa.  They enjoyed travelling and had many adventurous fishing trips. They also enjoyed “junking” together as Lou loved all things antique.  He was also enthralled with Native American history. Lou and Virginia had one daughter together.  Lou raised his daughter with patience, discipline and humility.  He coached her softball team for several years.  Lou always encouraged his daughter to try new things and taught her many necessary life skills, including how to bait a hook and use a tire gauge.

Lou will be remembered for his wit and his exuberant personality.  In his later years, he followed his father’s footsteps and took up playing music.  He was a self-taught guitar player and singer, writing many of his own songs.  He played religiously at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center every Friday night for as long as he was able, and recently began playing at his church. 

Lou is survived by his wife, Virginia of the home; his daughter, Alison Barrett and husband Nathan of Amarillo; his grandsons, Jack, William, and Henry Barrett, all of Amarillo; his mother-in-law, Eva Jo Ray of Pampa; a sister-in-law, Karen Hillman of Eagle Lake; 2 brothers-in-law, Reuben Day and wife Susan of Amarillo and Rodney Day and wife Troi of Pampa. He also had five nephews and five nieces whom he loved dearly. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Brantley and Helen Adair; and two sisters, Olivia Howard and Karen Ayala.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hobart Baptist Church, 1100 W. Crawford, Pampa, Texas 79065; the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center, 320 S. Cuyler, Pampa, Texas 79065; or a charity of choice.