Mike Brantley, a devoted husband and beloved family man, passed away Friday, May 9th, at the age of 78. He was a man whose strength, skill, and kindness left an enduring mark on everyone who had the good fortune to know him. He is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Carolyn Brantley. He is survived by his son, Matthew, his daughter-in-law, Tracey, and his grandchildren, Cooper and Mia.

A talented man with an unmatched drive and fervor for efficiency, Mike was good at everything he attempted. His career as a master carpenter started at age 11 and led to his accomplishment of owning his family business as a general contractor before he retired. During his life he enjoyed cultivating many skills, to include mechanic, painter, fisherman, motorcycle rider and safety instructor, but his true joy involved standing up for what was right and for those who couldn't stand for themselves.

Mike enjoyed a passion for motorcycle riding that was unmatched by most, carrying him across all US States and Canadian provinces in North America, to include a 28-day, 12,000 mile trip to Alaska with his son. In later years he enjoyed racing Harleys from red light to red light on his little red scooter with his dog serving as his passenger and cheerleader.

Though motorcycle riding was his past-time focus before he retired, fishing became his next calling once he had more time on his hands.  He enjoyed fishing with friends and family, but he never fished alone.  If he didn't have a fishing partner available, his little four-legged friend was always ready to accompany Mike on his next journey.

Without exception, Mike's passion was unrivaled when it came to his love of family. He loved his wife and cared for her until her passing in December when she finally succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer's dementia.

Mike loved his son without question and supported Matthew until his final breath.  As much as he loved his son, he loved his daughter-in-law equally.  He was over the moon when Matthew and Tracey married and said, on more than one occasion to Matthew, "Don't ever leave my daughter because you'll be the one leaving this family. " He loved her like the daughter he never had, which made his son love him that much more.

His grandchildren were the icing on the cake, and he took every opportunity to spend time with them and be involved in their lives.  He was so proud to watch each of them grow up to be the wonderful man and woman they have become.

Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease later in life and fought like the warrior his family knew him to be. To no one's surprise, he fought through the tremors and the dementia that accompanied his Parkinson's diagnosis to the bitter end.

Mike's desire was to be cremated and have both his and his wife's ashes spread together. His son plans to accomplish his request by taking both him and Carolyn on one final motorcycle ride.

He will be deeply, deeply missed by those whose lives he impacted, but he will never be forgotten.

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.