Claude "Billy" Gantt

Mr. Claude Maurice “Billy” Gantt, Sr., 94, entered into rest on Friday, September 13, 2024 at his family home where he was born, raised, and lived his entire life.

Mr. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 71 years; Joyce Shumpert Gantt, his children; Claude M. (Cindy) Gantt, Jr., William R. (Phyllis) Gantt, Donna G. (William “Bill”) Blackwell, Toni G. (Robert “Bob”) Williams, and Paula G. (Travis) Miller. Mr. Billy’s grandchildren are; Amy (John) Smaltz, Jami (Lauren) Gantt, Aaron Gantt, Adam (Stacey) Gantt, Abby (Steve) Houghton, Andrew (Lea) Gantt, Addison (Meagan) Gantt, Will (Savanna) Blackwell, Ben (Jordan) Blackwell, Jacob (Dot) Williams, Kelly (Bobby) LeCroy, Jordan Williams, Christopher “Tipper” (Lauren) Miller, and Cameron (Hannah Grace) Miller. His great grandchildren are Savannah Smaltz, Sydney Smaltz, Henry Gantt, Parker Gantt, Graeme Gantt, Kennedy Houghton, Emma Gantt, Wates Gantt, Caroline Gantt, Wesley Blackwell, Wyatt Blackwell, Lila Mae Blackwell, Lane Blackwell, Nora Williams, Ada LeCroy, Lillian LeCroy, unborn baby girl LeCroy, Madison Miller, unborn baby girl Miller, Jack Miller and Mary Kate Miller.

Mr. Billy was born in the family home place on March 6, 1930, to the late Ezra Gantt and the late Grace Mabelle Gunter Gantt. He was also preceded in death by his siblings; Allen T. Gantt, Frank W. Gantt, Sr., and Willie Mae Derrick.

He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart. Mr. Billy returned home to the family farm and started his married life with Mrs. Joyce where they raised their five children. Mr. Billy worked forty-two years as a Security Officer with DuPont, retiring as a Lieutenant in Patrol in addition to Director of Deer Hunts. Mr. Billy was a faithful lifelong member of Seivern Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member. Mr. Billy enjoyed farming, growing crops and raising livestock. His legacy of faith, family, and farming has been instilled into generations and has left a lasting impact on his community.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Seivern Baptist Church or Wounded Warrior Project.  

The Gantt family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to all the caregivers for the love and care given to Mr. Billy over the past several years. 

Visitation will be 6-8 pm on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Seivern Baptist Church in the fellowship hall. Funeral Service will be 3 pm on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Seivern Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.

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