Christopher Wade Brantley was born on November 20, 1977 in Marion, Ky. He was the son of Karl and Joyce (Nesbitt) Brantley.

Rev. Chris Brantley departed this life on May 16, 2024 at the age of 46.

Chris was united in marriage to Laura (Bost) Brantley on May 29, 1999. Their family was complete with the birth of their son Nathan Scott (19), and daughter Elisabeth Lauren (15), both were his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Nathan Jr. and Joyce Faye Brantley; maternal grandparents, Bud and Juanita Nesbitt; uncle, Duane Brantley; aunt, Annette Brantley; niece, Layla Jo Hedrick; and nephew, Crue Austin Thomas.

Chris was a respected pastor for twenty years, answering the call to preach in 2004. At that time, he became pastor of Enon General Baptist Church in Marion, Kentucky. Eight years later, in 2012, God led Chris to the community of Piggott, Arkansas, where he continued his ministry as Pastor of Piggott First General Baptist Church. Chris felt called to do more in his Christian ministry so in addition to his pastorship Chris became a teacher and coach of Piggott High School. Anyone who knew Chris knew his love for the Lord and his desire to bring salvation through Jesus Christ to others. Chris had many roles and performed them all with grace and dedication. As a husband and father, he loved and supported Laura, Nate, and Libby. They were the loves of his life. As a son, he honored and respected his parents. His role as a teacher and coach inspired countless students and athletes. In this quote to his athletes, Chris wrote “Never forget this… I don’t coach because I get paid to, I coach you because God called me to. I love you all, but not nearly as much as Jesus does, Love Coach Brantley.”

As a pastor Chris shared wisdom and faith, uplifting his community. His influence touched many lives and left a lasting legacy of faith, devotion, and God’s love that will not be forgotten.

Chris is survived by his wife, Laura Brantley; two children, Nate and Libby Brantley of Piggott; his parents, Karl and Joyce Brantley of Marion, Ky.; sister, Rashelle (Lenny) Wydotis of Marion, Ky.; his in-laws, Jeff and Connie Tripod of Paragould, Ark., and Scottie and Barbara Bost of Senath, Mo.; three sisters-in-law, Sarah White, Staci Tripod and Jennifer Seffers; three brothers- in-law, Brandon White, Matthew Tripod, and Jamie Seffers; and many nieces and a nephew.

“P.S. Stop Crying, God’s Got Me” Coach Brantley Visitation was held Monday, May 20, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at First General Baptist Church in Piggott. A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the Piggott High School Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to the Chris Brantley Scholarship Fund at Piggott State Bank.