Eric Brantley Obituary

Hey buddy I still think of you all the time. I miss you. Wherever you are I hope they like loud amps. You were a rock star in a world of posers and wannabes.

I knew Eric from the Archdale days, and no one has mentioned how great of a skater he was. I had some amazing times w Eric and Steven. Youre missed E!

Never a day goes by...when we don’t think of you brother!!! You are always with us...whether you like it or not:)

Now I can't believe it's been four years...I still think about you bro and I still miss you.

I can't believe it's been 3 years already..I think about you all the time and your name still comes up in conversations. You touched so many people while you were here and you are greatly missed by all of them.I will see you again,one day,my friend.

I haven't seen you in years, but my heart broke when I heard the news. You taught me how to ride my '75 550, even though I was too short to touch the ground with both feet down at once. When we were at work, your putting down my CD choices was one of the best parts of my day. No filter, full volume, and one of the coolest people I'd ever met. Like so many others, I will miss you, my friend. My deepest condolences to your family.

My condolences to your family.
Eric: my art student.... made a fly monster sculpture from old doll parts and art materials. Gave me his white Gibson s g to fix after he slammed it on the stage ala hendrix. Confided he wished he hadn't but fixed to perfection. He was so relieved. Hung in the art room with William (billy) steinmeyer and others listening to zappa, the cramps ,rhodes, skynard, jane's addiction, cure, bauhaus,..... He made up a little band of 3guys and we're to play outdoors at stall at an art gig and they got off "hey joe" about three times. They banged out a cure tune and generally tuned up a lot. It was sooooo pure and innocent, so big and intense for him, he was a star wearing his neal young old man hat.. I didn't know he continued to play.. so fine to know. He was always controlling his allergic nose and laughing out of his belly with this big, sloppy grin. He was there when I bought an old mustang/caster off charles monk that I still have. There is no concluding here. Eric lives on

My Dear Suzanne: My thoughts and prayers are with you. God has a special plan for Eric he was loved by so many friends and family but most of all your love for Eric. I'm thinking of you my friend . LOVE always . JoJo

Suzanne, I just caught your name in the paper and realized this was your son. I am so sorry for your loss.
LaVonne & Joe Settimio

It's been quite awhile since I've seen Eric, so I can't imagine he would realize what an impact he had on my life. When my son was having such trouble fitting in at school and life, I would tell him stories about Eric and how unique he was at just being himself. It really helped him through those rough times. I know it's not much, but I send my most heartfelt condolences to his family.

Your light will forever burn bright...Will never forget the 1st time I met you Eric.You & Say were giving me a ride to the train for I was homeward bound...All I can say ..Hell of a ride.Listening to you and Sayward as I sit in the back I felt magic happening, Heard "SHOCKING" language , & thought it best to close my eyes till we arrived at the station.Was it a time issue??! Is that why the ride was fast and furious? Oh well, it was memorable. Like the driver.I felt a kindred spirit and always looked forward to a visit.I'll not say good bye just .."see ya..".When one human being creates so much love and magic surely we will all meet again.Till then my friend...SHINE ON...

In 2010, I moved to Charleston without knowing a soul. Eric was the first friend I met (at Gene's of course) and fortunate for me, my Ramones t shirt enticed him into conversation. I regularly frequented the bar and Eric would more times than I can remember walk me to my car when I would leave to make sure I made it safely home (a true gentleman, even if the bar was packed.) He also made sure to show me the "real" Charleston haunts that were off the beaten path. Don't do King Street. It's horrible, he would say. For tourists. A favorite memory is us singing to Johnny Cash as he pointed me down a one way street with my car (a quiet one, mind you) because I didn't know my way around downtown. The laughter that ensued. That was Eric. I'll never forget the look of alarm when I eagerly took it upon myself to sit on a bike he was working on. Oh the horror. Or when when I thought we were having a great conversation only to see him get up quickly and show me a vinyl and get so enamored with exposing me to his love of a song. His ease with the world and his place within it will be missed. I'll be forever indebted to you for reminding me that with a little off the beaten path you can find yourself. Cheers, brother. Charleston won't be the same. There won't be many off the beaten paths that I'll walk without thinking of you.

Today we said goodbye to the coolest person I ever met. I don't want to say goodbye though. I am going to say see you later. I already miss my friend more than ever. RIP. E.B.L.A

Eric will be remembered fondly with every trip to one of the several places from which he served me and many others. His unique real-ness made him a human breath of fresh air to the community he served so well...A smile and a tear share the stage at each replay of the memories that surface in the years to come. RIP, Buddy!

Eric, was my brother Joey Wallin's best friend, 15+ years ago. They bonded over their deep love for music, their musical talents and I am sure their witty senses of humor. Eric and Joey played together in the band, Telegram. I think that I was around 18 when I first met Eric and I do not remember having much to say, but I do remember thinking that he looked like Joey. They could have passed for being brothers and there was no doubt that as time went by that these two were brothers at heart. Joey always knew how to pick out the good ones. It was not until Joey passed away in 2000 that I truly got to know who Eric was as a person. I learned that he had one of the biggest hearts, covered up by a tough exterior. He never failed to make me feel like his own little sister when I would see him out and about in Charleston. There were times when he would have a packed bar and stop everything he was doing just for me when he saw me in the sea of bar patrons. He would stop everything to come around the bar to give me a big hug and ask me how I have been doing and he was always sincere about it. I remember him doing the same thing at Gene's to show me the green apple tattoo that he so proudly showed off for Joey. He always made me feel special without Joey around. My brother really did pick out a good one make that a great one. I was devastated to hear that such a wonderful soul was taken from his family and friends so tragically, so soon. My heart has been aching since the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by this, as I know the pain of tragic loss all too well. I am saddened that I will never get that brotherly hug again and I wish that I had known that was going to be our last shot together at The Blind Tiger. I know I would have hugged him a little tighter when I left that night and made sure that he knew how much he touched my life. Eric will forever live in my heart because he shared a piece of his heart with me. Thank you, Eric. You are dearly missed.

Man i can't believe i'm having to do this, rest in peace and hopefully you will be cruising the CB750 up there, we are gonna miss you! Your pal RPM

My deepest condolences

Capt'n my Capt'n! Your memory will live on forever!

Eric,
You wonderful and kind soul.
"Gone to soon"
Gloria Cosner

My wife and I were having dinner in Park Circle on Wednesday the 20th and overheard the numerous people expressing their grief over the loss of Eric only hours before. We never met Eric but immediately knew that the world lost a unique person who made an impact on many. Prayers to all family and friends. So sorry.

Rest easy

Eric my brother,I will miss you greatly.I already do.I will miss our big hugs when we hadn't seen each other for a while.You were and always will be a rock star to me.My condolences to all family members but please see how many people loved and cared about Eric.He was a very special person;the real deal in a world of posers,fakes.and phonies.I love you and miss you man.

Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Brantley family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you to cope and endure this difficult time

Mark,

Keith and I will keep you and your family and friends in our prayers.

Love you Eric.

"Is your name Eric Brantley?"
"Why, Are you a cop?"

One of my favorites. Till next time Holmes...

My deepest condolences to you all at this horrific time. Myself and my dad were on vacation from Ireland. After a walk around town we stopped off at The Blind Tiger. Eric was really friendly and my dad had a great chat with him, telling him 'I used to look a bit like you when I was younger' . My own family suffered a senseless loss through a similar situation a few years ago so we truly feel for you. It's amazing that he touched so many lives.I'm in Ireland thinking about you all. There are no words......

Thank you for bringing all of us together. We are forever blessed and greatful for learning from you to strive to simply be who we are and to love!!! A legend never truly goes unknown.