James Randall Brantley

Mr. James Randall Brantley, Sr., age 87, of Vidalia, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia following an extended illness.  

James was born in Toombs County and was the son of Barrett and Adra Brantley.  He attended Vidalia Schools and had a love for sports, excelling in track and football in middle and high school and holding track records for many years.  He graduated from Vidalia High School in 1956. 

James attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship, while also participating in track and field. After leaving Georgia Tech with a knee injury, he came back to his hometown with his family and began a thirty-two year career with the United States Postal Service. 

In his retirement, after working several other jobs, he enjoyed spending time with his wife Louise, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed Saturday college football games, being outdoors and had a love for many family dogs over the years. He attended Trinity Baptist Church, along with Vidalia Church of God at times. 

James was preceded in death by his parents; mother of his children, Celetta; son, Jim Brantley; grandsons, Ricky Burkett and Ethan Alexander; and brothers-in-law, Van Powell and Sam Moate.

His family includes his wife of twenty-nine years, Louise Anderson; three children, Tina Davis (Keith) of Camden, South Carolina, Cally Kelley (Todd) of Soperton and Julie Alexander (Mike) of Reidsville;  grandchildren, Chris Davis (Dargan), Alicia Pearce (Jason), James Alexander (Tiffany), Meagan Langley (Cody), Jamie Osborne (Dustyn), Ross Burkett, and Garrett Alexander (Macey); great-grandchildren, Seth, Kaida, Clara, Gabriel, Dolan, Jennings, Carson, Kaylee, Haley, Tinsley, Junior, Kodi, Ethan Thomas, and Sutton Gray; one great-great granddaughter, Laura Marie; sisters, Ann Powell and Nita Moate; step-daughters, Tracie Sharpe and Pennie Cobb (Jay); step-grandchildren, Madison, Kayla and William; and several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

A graveside memorial service will be Thursday morning, February 27th, at 11:00 at Pine Crest Cemetery with Pastor Chris Vinson officiating.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 10:30 until just prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SOAPS, Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society, PO Box 210, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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