Robert Wayne Gantt Sr.

Robert Wayne Gantt, Sr., age 76, of Marietta, Georgia died peacefully at home late Saturday night, May 26th, with his family at his side. Robert was diagnosed in 2007 with PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis), a form of ALS. PLS is a debilitating disease that slowly takes over the body.

Robert was born August 14, 1941, on Pine Street in northwest Atlanta to Jack Lee Gantt and Augusta Ann Gantt. Robert attended the former Luckie Street Grammar School and graduated from O’Keefe High School in 1959. It was at O’Keefe he met his loving and devoted wife, Linda Gattis Gantt, and they were married on September 23, 1960.

Robert was a member of The Baptist Tabernacle during his youth. In 1951, the Home Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention, Atlanta, published a children’s book titled “Precious In His Sight”. Robert was selected to be the boy “Johnny” in the story. Pictures throughout the book depict Robert as Johnny, and his picture with a new friend is the book’s front cover.

Robert always favored basketball and football. He was active in the Smyrna Athletic Association from 1975 to 1986 coaching youth boys in basketball and football. Robert was a loyal Georgia Tech football and basketball fan. He always supported the Tech teams and has many videos of their games.

Robert was a natural salesman. His salesmanship was evident in his early teens. He and his two cousins, in 1955 and again in 1956, were recognized for selling the most candy citywide for the YMCA. Robert began a long and successful career in 1978 as an outside salesman for Plumbing Distributors, Inc., Lawrenceville. He established personal and long-term relationships with his customers and was awarded numerous times for his outstanding sales achievements. In 2010, the progression of PLS prevented him from continuing in sales. He then remained with Plumbing Distributors, Inc. as a Sales Consultant, retiring in 2015.

Robert enjoyed playing golf, but his favorite pastime was working in his yard. He was a talented gardener and took great pleasure in caring for his plants and flowers. Robert’s yard was always lovely and to be admired. His mother was a passionate gardener and his inspiration.

Robert was a loving husband and father and a proud grandfather. He will be eternally missed, and we will always cherish his memory.

In addition to Linda, Robert is survived by his daughter, Dawn Lin Gantt, Woodstock, and son, Robert Wayne Gantt, Jr., Marietta; four grandchildren, Jacob (Jake), Todd, Jordan, and Kayley Gantt, Acworth; a sister, Carol Gantt, Douglasville; a half-sister, LaWanda DeMarce, Lithia Springs; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack Lee Gantt, II and James (Jimmy) Henry Gantt half-brothers, Charles Steele and A.J. Steele; half-sister, Faye Ruth Garrett; and grandson, Blake Robert Gantt.

A Memorial Service celebrating Robert’s life will be held at H.M. Patterson & Son – Canton Hill, Marietta, on Saturday, June 9th, 2018 at 12:00 Noon. The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service. There will be a Brunch Reception following the service.

The family would like to acknowledge Halcyon-Dunwoody for Robert's excellent home care and support since May, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Robert’s memory to ALS Association, Georgia Chapter, 5881 Glenridge Drive, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia, 30328; or Halcyon Hospice of Dunwoody, 5411 Northland Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 30342.