Albert Gantt

He was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas on June 1, 1943 to Marvin Gantt and HayDessa Green Gantt. Albert spent his childhood attending Lincoln Elementary and later spent his high school years at Scipio Jones Senior High School, where he loved to play football with his best friend Billy Rhodes. Even at a young age, Albert was an accomplished man and acted as both the Vice President of his Senior Class and Co-Captain of his Senior Football team. Go Dragons!

After graduating from Jones High School, Class of 1961, Albert began his fruitful career in the United States Air Force (USAF). He toured many parts of the world and lived a life of adventure. A couple of Albert’s most cherished moments during this career were his time as a successful football coach for the Ramstein Rams, in Germany, and marrying the love of his life, Shirley Colson Gantt, in May of 1975. Together, the two had three beloved children: Lorenzo, Adrienne, and Daphaney.

Albert retired after 26 years of dutiful military service and several world tours, but this change did not slow down his momentum. Albert worked the next 20 years in the Hampton City Schools System as a Parts Procurement Supervisor, where he met another great friend, Morris Smith. His love for his community reached beyond his work life, as he was a dedicated member and volunteered when needed to both the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 6 Hampton, VA and American Legion Post 1991 Newport News, VA.

When Albert wasn’t working, he could be found playing racquetball, washing and cleaning his cars, and working in his well-manicured yard. He even won the occasional “Yard of the Month” Award. He enjoyed reading the Sunday paper, eating a good buffet, and watching any team or game of football; although, he especially enjoyed cheering his beloved Washington Redskins.

Most of all, Albert loved to spend time with his family. He loved volunteering with his daughters in Girl Scouts and band trips. He also loved watching his grandchildren play any sports and got a special thrill out of seeing his grandsons Justin and Dimarcus play football, just as he did as a boy. He was a family man through and through.

Albert is survived by his wife, Shirely Colson Gantt, and his children, Daphaney Gantt and Adrienne (Phil) Haines. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lorenzo Jr., Micheal, Ray, Justin, Leilani(Zachary), Jasmyn, Dimarcus, Travis, Simon, Cessalie, and Chase; his great grandchild Kyheir, as well as Alphonso Brown, Sr. (brother-in-law), and his wife, Wanda Brown (sister-in-law), and Edward Brown (brother-in-law) and his wife Debra Brown (sister-in-law) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close family friends. He also leaves

behind Leatha Green, a special and loving first cousin, who never failed to show up for Albert’s events and often called for fun family chats and to reminisce about old times.

Albert is preceded in death by his mother HayDessa Green Gantt, his father Marvin Gantt, his brother Leo Kellum Jr., his sister Mildred Juanita Gantt, his son Lorenzo Dion Gantt, and his great grandson Royal Gordy.

Albert will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and his life of dedication to his family, community, and country will inspire others to share that same kindness with the world.

A visitation will be held on Monday October 20, 2025 from 3-6 PM at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home located at 2551 N.Armistead Ave, Hampton VA 23666. An additional viewing will take place on Tuesday October 21,2025 at Bethel Manor Chapel at 9 am located at 1793 First St, Hampton, VA 23665. A funeral service will follow immediately at 10:00 AM followed by a reception.