It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of former Airport Director, Mr. John Brantley.

John was first hired in late 1977 to help develop a long-range plan for RDU. In October 1982, he became the Airport Director, a role he held with distinction for 29 years. Under his visionary leadership, RDU underwent a remarkable transformation. His accomplishments include: 

• The construction of the 10,000-foot runway. 
• Development of American Airlines’ hub facilities. 
• Expansion of air cargo and general aviation facilities. 
• Major roadway and parking garage projects. 
• Construction of Terminal 2. 
• Redevelopment of Terminal 1. 

Prior to joining RDU, John began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1966. He then worked at a Columbia, South Carolina-based international consulting engineering firm and operated his own consulting firm specializing in airport planning and design. 

John — a native and nearly life-long resident of Raleigh — graduated from Broughton High School and North Carolina State University, before graduate studies at Northwestern University and the University of California, Berkeley.  

John served as adjunct professor at NC State for 34 years, leading courses on airport planning and design. He also served as a Trustee of Barton College and on the board of directors of the Research Triangle Foundation (RTF) after retiring from the Airport Authority. 

John and his family established the John C. Brantley IV Alumni Memorial Scholarship in Civil/Construction Engineering in honor of his late son John C. Brantley IV, who died in 1991. John also established the Bruce E. Matthews Memorial Scholarship in Civil/Transportation Engineering in honor of his friend and colleague, Bruce E. Matthews. 

John’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of RDU. He helped guide its evolution from a modest airport with World War II roots into the modern, world-class gateway to the Research Triangle region that it is today. 

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.