Richard Brantley
A lifelong resident of Wendell, Richard “Dick” Stringfield Brantley was born on September 25, 1922, to Paul C. and Miriam Stringfield Brantley. After graduating from Wendell High School, he attended Mars Hill College and N.C. State College.
In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and built an admirable career as a pilot. A decorated World War II hero, he piloted 35 successful missions over France and Germany and later retired as a captain in the Air Force Reserve. After the war, he returned to school and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, did graduate work, and taught economic statistics for two years.
For over 40 years, Brantley was a cornerstone of the North Carolina insurance industry, including a 36-year career with the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina and service with the N.C. Department of Insurance as chief deputy commissioner. In 1949, he became an actuary for the N.C. Department of Insurance and held that position until he took a post with the N.C. Independent Insurance Agents as assistant secretary in 1952. He was named executive vice president in 1960, a position he held until retirement in September of 1988.
In 1988, the insurance trade association honored Brantley by establishing the Richard S. Brantley Risk and Insurance Center at Appalachian State University. University officials praised Brantley for giving them a vision for the university’s insurance program, which got its start in 1985. In 1993, Appalachian named him an honorary alumnus.
Brantley’s mother and her family were widely known for their musical talents, and he was no exception. Brantley helped found the Wendell Octet with his wife, Peggy, six
other close Wendell friends, and Paul Montgomery and his Trio. The group performed for many years at conventions and other gatherings.
Brantley was a member of Wendell United Methodist Church, where he sang in the church choir that was directed by his wife. The Brantleys were staunch supporters of
the church, especially proud of the church’s newest addition, a fellowship hall.
After retirement, Brantley joined his son to work at Bill’s Outlet in Wendell. He was a charter member of the Wendell Golf Club and enjoyed golf on a regular basis.
Brantley died June 29, 2003.