He was a member of the US Air Force during the Korean War and a 1960 graduate of The University of Alabama. While serving at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, he met his beloved sweetheart, Annette Harris Gantt, who he married on December 31, 1955. They remained faithfully married for 54 years until her death on December 17, 2009. Before she passed, Don slept in hospital chairs around the country for months on end as he faithfully and compassionately cared for her. For nearly two years, he never left her side until her final resting day. He was a wonderful husband and loving father who placed his faith and family above all else.
A devout Christian, Don was known for his compassion, his generosity to his community, his positive attitude, and his never-ending optimism. He spread compassion and kindness through many lives while serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board at The Salvation Army. Teaching his children and grandchildren to carry on these same principles, Don often recited verses from this poem:
“You’ll meet many just like me upon life’s busy street,
With shoulders stooped and heads bowed low and eyes that stare in defeat,
Poor souls that live within the past where sorrow plays all parts,
Where a living death is all that’s left for men with broken hearts,
You have no right to be the judge, to criticize and condemn,
Just think, but for the grace of God, it could be you instead of him,
One careless step, a thoughtless deed and then the misery starts,
And to those who weep death comes cheap these men with broken hearts,
You’ve never walked in that man’s shoes or saw things through his eyes,
Or stood and watched with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies,
So, help your brother along the road no matter where he starts,
For the God that made you made them too, these men with broken hearts.”
Don had a long and successful career in management. He was awarded a Certificate of Distinguished Service from K-Mart Corporation for over 25 years of service. After retiring from K-Mart, he owned the Handy Store in Tanner Williams and later became a real estate broker and investor.
A great cook, Don enjoyed sharing his talents at many family events. He loved traveling, the beach, and anything outdoors. Until the last week of his life, Don enjoyed long walks with his family and friends, particularly his grandson Andrew.
He is survived by his children Donald Hall Gantt Jr. (Sandy Gantt), Michelle Davis (Eddie Davis), and Teresa Hrubala (William Webster IV); his seven grandchildren Bradley Hall Gantt (Kristen), Christopher Beau Gantt, Michele Anne Flores (Walter), Sarah Michelle McKinley (Nathan), Andrew Phillip Davis, Ashley Lauren Hrubala, Tia Michelle Hrubala; three great-grandchildren, Maribel Michele Flores, Grant Michael McKinley, Kaylee Marie Gantt; two expected great-grandchildren, Olivia Jane McKinley, Leilani Flores; and three step-great-grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Phillips, Titus Jemison Phillips, Lillian Rose Barnett.
Don never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He was liked and loved by everyone that met him. All will sorely miss his kindness, patience, and gentleness.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama.
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