Mr. Thomas Gantt

September 6, 1935 - September 1, 2020

Thomas DeWitt Gantt of Fort Myers, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday night, September 1, 2020 at Hope Hospice at the age of 84. Tom was born September 6, 1935 in Lavonia, Georgia to Dennis and Frances Gantt. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in 1958 and served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years. He worked for Eli Lilly & Company in international and domestic sales and marketing for 37 years in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Dennis and his mother, Frances. He is survived by his love of his life and wife of 63 years, Cynthia Argo Gantt, his son, Greg (Barb) Gantt of Fishers, Indiana, his daughter, Missy (Doug) Copley of Fort Wayne, Indiana, one granddaughter, Barissa (Adam) Larson, three grandsons, Chris (Megan) Copley, Ryan Copley, Bradley Gantt, one great-grandson, Max Copley, nieces and nephews and his sister, Betsy Whitlow of Anniston, Alabama. Tom had a passion for fishing, having been very actively involved in various bass fishing organizations. He also loved golfing, collecting coins and antique fishing lures. He was a member of McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Florida and loved his church family. He had always been a dedicated servant of the community, having served as president of Indiana Deaf School PTO, helping establish the Deaf Community Service agency in Indianapolis, Indiana, just to name a few. He was known and admired for his love for his family and friends, his kind and compassionate spirit, and his playful wit. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 10. 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia City - Burgess Cemetery with Rev. Chris Chitwood officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hope Hospice Health Care, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, Florida 33908 or McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida 33966. Those in attendance are reminded to adhere to social distancing and public health guidelines. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com. Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.