Richard Mack Brantley

Richard Mack Brantley, 85, of Smithfield, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025. He was the son of the late Jessie James Brantley and Sallie Helen King Brantley.  

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Love Brantley; son, Christopher James Brantley (Cassie Patt); daughter, Angela Love Vogel (Jon); granddaughter, Christianna Love Brantley, fiancé Joshua Brown and their son, Abel; grandson, Brian Vogel; sister, Virginia Murry; brothers, William Brantley (Joan), Jimmy Brantley (Sue), and Phillip Brantley (Denise); special aunt, Eva Mae King; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Brantley and two brothers, Stevie Brantley and Edward Ray Brantley.  

Mr. Brantley served in the U S Army with two years active duty where he was stationed in Germany. Following his service in the army he went to work for Newport News Shipbuilding, where he was a pipefitter and supervisor in the X42 Pipe Department. He was especially proud of his work building Air Craft Carriers. He was selected to the planning department where he worked until his retirement after 32 years of faithful service.  

He built a life of family, values, and love. A man of few words but the ones that he chose usually made his point clear.  

He was a lifetime member of Orbit Hunt Club, which he absolutely loved. Known by his nickname “Rabbit Hunter”, he will be missed by all of his hunting and fishing buddies. 

Family and friends are welcome for the Celebration of the Life of “Our Rabbit Hunter” on March 8, 2025, 2 p.m. at Orbit Hunt Club, 12199 Blue Ridge Trail, Windsor, VA 23487.  

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com