Rev. William C. Brantingham

In Memory of
Reverend William Chappell Brantingham
March 8, 1927 – May 2, 2018

91, went to be with his Lord and Savior, whom he greatly loved, May 2, 2018. Bill was born to Cyrus and Abby Brantingham in West Pittston, PA. Bill served as Pastor of: First Baptist Church, Cranbrook, British Columbia, Oakview First Baptist Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba, First Baptist Church, Atwood, Illinois, Grand Prairie Baptist Church, Marion, Ohio, First Baptist Church, Conneaut, Ohio, and as Pastor of Visitation and Senior Adults at First Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio.

Bill was drafted in to the United States Army Air Force in 1945 where he proudly served his country. His father, who was opposed to war, was very proud when his son showed up at his workplace wearing his dress uniform. Following his honorable discharge, he began working in the insurance industry in the Wrigley Building in Chicago.

This is where Bill met the love of his life, Bertha Mae Jingst in 1948 while both were attending Kostner Avenue Baptist Church. They met on a double date and went bowling each with a different partner. The next date was together and they were married on June 16, 1951. Shortly thereafter Bill and Bert answered the Lord’s calling into full time ministry.
As a result, he continued his education where he earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Judson University and a B.A. in Theology from Northern Seminary. He was ordained on March 8, 1957, his 30th birthday.

Following Bill’s ordination, they adopted two sons. Stephen born in Chicago, Illinois; and while they were serving their first pastorate in Cranbrook, British Columbia, they adopted Daniel who was born in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Bill and Bert raised their sons and created a home centered on lives led by example, a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a lifetime of serving and ministering to others until his death. They touched thousands of lives over 55 years of ministry. Following his retirement in December 2012, Bill continued to faithfully serve the Lord when he was called upon for visitations, weddings and funerals.

He and Bert have resided in Hamilton Ohio since 1990 and moved to Berkeley Square Retirement Center for the final eleven years of his life. He and Bert are cherished and they have enjoyed deep and lasting friendships formed over many years with neighbors and current and former church members they have met along the way. Bill never lacking for something to say would stop and take time to visit with anyone willing to listen to his stories.

He is survived by his wife Bertha Mae, children: Stephen Paul (Penni) and Daniel Harlan (Elma); grandchildren: Tiffany Brantingham, Bobbie Jo (Wes) White, Matthew Harlan (Nicole) Brantingham, Elyse Mae (Brett) Diehl, and Anje (Michael) Chandler and by six great grandchildren: Stephen Bradley (U.S. Army), Jerry Bradley, Isaac Griffin, Isabelle White, Jackson Harlan Brantingham and Hartmann Brantingham, his brother David Brantingham and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Hamilton, May 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. where the family will receive visitors followed at 11:00 a.m. with a service of Remembrance and Celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Memorial Fund at First Baptist Church Hamilton.  The Avance Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.  Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

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