Robert W. Gantt, passed away on November, 9, 2022 after a full and extraordinary life. He served on the Lexington Richland Five Board of Trustees for 20 years,10 years as the chairman. He also served as the vice chairman and board secretary. Robert led with compassion, a gentle nature and a determination to help our students succeed. He was a fierce supporter of public education. He wanted children to succeed, he wanted teachers to feel valued and he understood that everyone who worked in the school district played an
important role in providing a safe and caring environment.
Robert was born on November 8, 1947, in Rock Hill, SC. He was the son of the late Frances Katherine and Wade Hampton Gantt. He graduated from Rock Hill High School (1966) and graduated from the University of South Carolina (1970).
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Laura Elizabeth Smith Gantt, his cherished daughters, Elizabeth Gantt Perla (Jay) of Chapin; Edna Katherine Gantt Gettys (Keith) of Greenville and Laura Jane Gantt of Chapin; three beloved grandchildren, Laura Katherine Perla of Chapin; Scarlett Grace Gettys and Gantt Thurman Gettys of Greenville and sister Linda Kay Boyd (Jim) of Gulfport, MS. Robert was predeceased by his parents and his in-laws Edna Harris and Horace Carlton Smith.
Robert proudly served in the US Army Reserves for 27 years achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. He also worked at the SC Department of Revenue for 30 years.
Serving his community was a vital part in Robert’s life for over 40 years. He served in multiple leadership roles in the schools his daughters attended. He enjoyed announcing football games and other athletic events as the “Voice of the Silver Foxes”. Robert advocated for public education as the president of the SC School Boards Association. In 2021, Robert was inducted into the inaugural Dutch Fork High School Hall of Fame.
Robert’s faith in God was solid and unshakable. He loved his family deeply and adored spending time with them. Robert had a way of enjoying the small things in life and transforming them into special moments. He had a warm spirit that impacted his community.
The funeral was held on November 20, 2022 at Union United Methodist Church. The burial was held on November 21, 2022 at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions made in Robert’s name to Project Purple for pancreatic cancer research and patient assistance https://donate.projectpurple.org/campaign/purple-360/c336730 or to Bonclarken, a Christian Living and
Conference Retreat, https://www.bonclarken.org/donations/mountainclub/.
