Onis Brantley

Onis Brantley, a devoted resident of McMinn County, Tennessee, and unwavering believer in God, was born on October 17, 1936, and peacefully entered into the loving embrace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 16, 2023.

Born to Hasting and Ovie, Onis married the love of his life, Barbara Faye Cook, on April 26, 1959, and together they welcomed two children. Their journey, marked by love and faith, navigated life's twists and turns until Barbara's passing from cancer in 2013.

Onis found solace in the simple joys of life, reveling in long walks through nature and passionately cheering for Tennessee football and basketball. However, his greatest passion lay in spreading the gospel to all he encountered.

At the age of 17, Onis embarked on a 70-year journey as a devout Christian. Initiating every conversation with a warm handshake, he eagerly shared the reassuring words from Hebrews 13:5, emphasizing the Lord's promise to never leave nor forsake.

His dedication to the Lord manifested not just in words but in actions. For three decades, he joyfully led the church choir, using his God-given talents to uplift the spirits of those around him.

Onis is survived by his brother, Emerson Brantley of Charleston; son Jeff Brantley of Cleveland; daughter Melanie (Chad) Stephens of Niota; grandchildren Megan (Darren) Gessner of Huntsville, AL; Joel (Lamora) Brantley of Huntsville, AL; Ciara (Colby) Barnett of Niota; Trevor Brantley of Nashville; and Chloe Stephens of Kingston; and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; brothers Troy and Dewey Brantley; and twin sister Unis Brantley Hughes.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Willow Acres and Kathy Dill for their compassionate end-of-life care.

 Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 20, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Laycock Hobbs funeral home in Athens, TN, followed by a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Johnson Baptist Church in Athens, supporting their missions’ efforts, honoring Onis’ lifelong commitment to sharing the word of God. Donations can be made by clicking the following link https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1428931 

The burial will be held Thursday, December 21, at 11 a.m. at McMinn Memory Gardens.

Those unable to attend may leave condolences at https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/onis-brantley

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.