FRANKLIN — Aurelius Walter Brantley, M.D., 73, passed peacefully on July 18, 2018, at his home in Franklin surrounded by his son Walter, daughter Beth and lifelong friend Betsy.

Born to Luther Ashby Brantley and Rose Pulley Brantley, he grew up on the family farm in Ivor, Virginia.

He graduated from Southampton High School and University of Richmond with a B.S. in chemistry, and then earned his M.D. at the Medical College of Virginia. After a year of internship in Internal Medicine at MCV, he was drafted into the military and served two years in the Army at what was then Camp Pickett.

Following a residency at Blackstone Family Practice Center, he and two of his fellow residents founded Family Practice Associates in Franklin in 1974. He became well known for his caring bedside manner, insightful clinical skills and impressive collection of plaid pants. He absolutely loved being a doctor and his greatest joy was taking care of patients and helping others.

After his official retirement, he continued providing medical help for friends and had many hobbies. Dr. Brantley was quite a character and enjoyed playing golf, talking, nature and wildlife, making friendly bets, all things Christmas, doing random acts of kindness, eating Blizzards from DQ, his dogs, fishing, and more talking!

He is survived by his brother, L.A. “Sonny Boy” Brantley Jr. of Ivor; two children, Walter Aurelius Brantley of Richmond, and Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Brantley Lazarus of McLean, along with her husband, Jim Lazarus, and their four children, James David, Sarah Elizabeth, Katherine Ann and Andrew William. He is also survived by his dear friend, Betsy Brantley of Franklin; his best friend, Dr. Tim Fuller of Newsoms; and many other friends and family members, including his Uncle Reid and Aunt Louise Pulley of Winston Salem, North Carolina.

The memorial service will be in Franklin Baptist Church on Sunday, July 22, at 2:30 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Franklin Baptist Church or the local charity of your choice.