Arnold "AJ" Ruffin Brantley, Jr.

Arnold Ruffin Brantley, Jr. January 23, 1940 – April 27, 2021 Arnold “AJ” Ruffin Brantley, 81 passed away Tuesday. A graveside service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. Friday in the Bailey Town Cemetery, Bailey. Donnie Eatmon will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Bailey Town Cemetery. AJ grew up in the Bailey area and attended High School in Bailey. He served in the US Navy from 1957-1961 spending a portion of that time in Morocco, North Africa. After serving his country, AJ came back to Bailey where he lived with his family until his death. He worked in several industries but spent the largest portion of his working years in the building supply industry working for Carolina Builders in Wilson. AJ was an avid sportsman that enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family. He was known across Nash County for his walker hounds and when he wasn’t hunting deer with them, he often participated in fox hunting competitions with them all around North Carolina and Virginia. He had a passion for collecting, especially antiques and old tools. AJ’s hobbies and outgoing personality helped him develop a network of friends from many backgrounds and many places. AJ loved being surrounded by people especially during cook-outs and pig-pickings. He will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his family and friends and his fun loving spirit. AJ is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Linda Eatmon Brantley of the home; daughter, Glenda Lamm and husband, Greg of Spring Hope; son, Dale Brantley and wife, Christy of Spring Hope; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Brantley Williams of Wilson and his brother, Jacob “Jakie” Brantley and wife, Sandra of Wilson. He was preceded in death by his son, Danny Arnold Brantley and his parents, Arnold and Mary Magaline Brantley. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.