Obituaries

Dr. Gantt is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Christine Williamson Gantt, who cared for Bob during his illness.  He is also survived by a sister, Bettie Gantt Jordan and her husband Richard of Salisbury, NC;  his daughters, Lynn Gantt Davis and husband Scott of Charlotte; Janet Gantt Locke and husband Ed of Charlotte; a son, Robert Baxter Gantt,Jr. and his wife Joanne of Durham, NC; five grandchildren, Robert Davis, Sarah Davis, Liz Locke, Paige Locke and Tommy Locke of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was selected to the Stanly County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Bob started his football career playing wingback, fullback and linebacker for Albemarle High School, where he was selected All-State and played in the 1947 Shrine Bowl Game.  He was nicknamed “Goo-Goo” at AHS, a nickname he carried with him as he starred on the gridiron for the University of North Carolina Tarheels  from 1948-1951. During his playing years, the Carolina Tarheels consistently ranked in the Top Ten and played in several bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl.   Bob was selected by his teammates as a captain in his senior year.

Following graduation, Dr. Gantt served in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Captain.  He left the service to earn his Masters Degree from UNC and then returned to Albemarle High School’s staff.  There he coached football, wrestling and track; started golf and tennis programs; and ultimately served as AHS Athletic Director.  In 1962, Bob moved to Greenville, NC to join the football coaching staff at East Carolina University, serving alternately as  offensive and defensive coordinator under Clarence Stasavich.   During his eight years on the coaching staff at ECU, the team won several conference championships and numerous bowl games.  He also coached ECU wrestling for four years. 

Dr. Gantt’s education included earning his BA and Masters Degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and his PHD from Louisiana State University.  After coaching, he taught on the faculty at East Carolina University, where he retired as Chairman of the Health and Physical Education Department in 1993.

Dr. Gantt served as junior warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville, NC.  Following his 1994 move to Charlotte, he was a faithful member of St John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte.  During retirement, Bob and Christine were avid golfers at Raintree Country Club in Charlotte.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 2, from 6-8 pm at J. B. Tallent Funeral  Service, 1937 Sharon Amity Rd.  Charlotte, NC.   A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 3, 11:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Carmel Rd, in Charlotte, with the Reverend Tim Clayton officiating.  Entombment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division, Mecklenburg Community, PO Box 41912, Raleigh, NC 27629-1912, or to the charity of your choice.