Dr. Joseph "Joe" Eli Brantley

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 17, 1937. After his family moved to Columbia at a young age he attended Schneider Elementary, Hand Junior High, and Dreher High School, class of 1955. After high school Joe joined the Army and received an honorable discharge. He met and married, the love of his life and grounding influence, Elaine Adams Taylor. He then attended Dental School at the Medical College of Virginia.

Joe and Elaine returned to Columbia in 1967 and Joe started his dental practice. Before retiring, he had the opportunity to work with his son, Adam, partnering in the practice. He retired after 33 dedicated years.

Joe was fun-loving with a magnetic personality whose love for life naturally drew people to him. He had an insatiable desire to travel and was known for his adventurous spirit and enjoyment of life. He was one of a kind in all the best ways.

His giving spirit was demonstrated through his missions to Bosnia, Brazil, and after his retirement donating and installing his dental equipment at the The Methodist Clinic in Jeremies, Haiti.

Joe was an active member of Shandon United Methodist Church and the JOY Sunday School class. He was a charter member of The East Columbia Rotary Club for 42 years.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Clara Bell Tuhacek Brantley and Floy Benjamin Brantley; and brother-in-law, Dr. C. Edward Taylor, Jr.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 60 years, are his sons, Ben Brantley (Ashley), Adam Brantley, and Duke Brantley (Becky); grandchildren, Elie (Robert) Hart, Edward, Eliza, Julia, Myers, Joe, Day, and Lucas Brantley; niece, Tracy Taylor Smith.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Joe's caregiver, Docia Johnson, and physician Dr. Jeff Hook.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 22nd from 5:30 til 7:30 p.m. at the home of Ben and Ashley Brantley.

The funeral service will be at Shandon United Methodist Church, February 23rd at 11:00 a.m. A private interment will follow the funeral. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Allen Education Fund, Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205 or Carolina Therapeutic Riding, Post Office Box 61139, Columbia, SC 29206.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.