Jimmie Long Gantt

Jimmie Long Gantt, age 95, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Abernethy Laurels in Newton. He was born on Sunday, April 3, 1927 in Stanley County to the late Jesse D. Gantt and Odessa Milton Gantt.

In addition to his parents, Jimmie was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Sherrill Gantt; son, Randolph Milton Gantt; sister, Merle Horn; and brothers, Vernon Gantt and Ward Gantt.

Jimmie’s mother passed away when he was only two years of age, he was then raised by his uncle Vince M. Gantt and Lillie Drum Gantt of Catawba.

Jimmie was a lifetime member of Hopewell United Methodist Church in Sherrills Ford where he faithfully served in various leadership roles. Jimmie was also a WWII United States Navy Veteran. He retired from Burlington Industries in 1989, after 42 years of loyal service. He also enjoyed gardening, cattle farming, Balls Creek Campground, costal fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was a member of Gideons International and the Catawba Valley Cattleman’s Association. Jimmie and his wife, Peggy also delivered Meals on Wheels in Catawba County for over 12 years.

Jimmie held many achievements throughout his years. He served in the US Navy and received an honorable discharge in 1954. He received the distinguished Public Service Award from Catawba County Board of Mental Health in 1979. He also achieved the Hopewell UMC Recycling Plaque in 1991; Environmental Citation from Woodmen of the World in 1992; a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of NC and James B Hunt Jr. for Volunteer Services in 1997; Life Achievement Status in the United Methodist Men in 2019; and he was the Catawba Veterans Parade Grand Marshal in 2020 and 2021.

Those left to cherish Jimmie’s memory are sons, Kevin Michael Gantt (Brooklyn) of Sherrills Ford, Darin Craig Gantt (Michelle) of Catawba; granddaughter, Melony Gantt Hipp (Brent); great grandchildren, Melora Faye Hipp and Lila Dare Hipp; step-grandchildren, Joshua Sawyer (Stephanie), Zachary Sawyer, Taylor Sawyer; along with many other nieces and nephews .

A Funeral Service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, March 18th at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Sherrills Ford with Reverend David Green officiating. The family will receive friends in the Sanctuary prior to the service from 1:30pm-2:45pm. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the Gantt family at www.drumfh-conover.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hopewell United Methodist Church, 2211 Hopewell Church Rd., Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or to Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, PO Box 31, Newton, NC 28658.

The Gantt family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.