George Brantley Deloatche
About Brantley
Veteran
Brantley DeLoatche lived a life defined by service — to his country, his community, and to Rotary.
In 1942, he attended officer training at Notre Dame University before serving three years as a Navy Officer during World War II. As Navigator and First Lieutenant aboard the USS Lardner destroyer in the Pacific, he played a role in one of history’s most significant moments. In 1945, the USS Lardner was one of three ships that led the USS Missouri into Tokyo Bay for the Japanese Surrender Ceremony. From the deck of his ship, Brantley witnessed that historic event — a memory he carried throughout his life.
His commitment to service continued long after his military duty ended. A respected civic leader, Brantley served on numerous community, educational, and corporate boards, including the Durham Chamber of Commerce, Durham United Way, Duke University Advisory Board, RDU Airport Authority, Durham County Commission, and many organizations supporting agriculture and higher education, particularly NC State University.
For more than 50 years, Brantley was a dedicated member of the Durham Rotary Club, exemplifying Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self. His commitment to service was so profound that his family established a scholarship fund in his honor to support students beginning their college careers — especially those demonstrating strong community engagement, reflecting the values Brantley lived every day.
A hero in service both at home and abroad, Brantley will be remembered for his leadership, integrity, devotion to family, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.
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TBC
Sponsor
Kim Shaw
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TBC
