Jack Clay Gantt

Born May 15, 1929, he was the son of the late Henry Clay and Lillie Elizabeth Combs Gantt.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia McGinn Dellinger Gantt; sons Kyle Dellinger (Nancy Beane) of Cary, NC; John Gantt (Pete McCoy) of Port Charlotte, FL; Tom Gantt (Dee Graham) of Salisbury, NC; grandchildren Connor and Addison Gantt; two sisters, Betty Gantt Troutman (widow of Ernest Troutman) of Hickory and Nancy Gantt Killian (Joe) of Newton; many nephews and nieces whom he held dear; and his devoted Scottish Terrier, Gertie.

Jack was a 1947 graduate of Newton Conover High School.

Jack returned to Newton with his family in 1980 after a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. Jack began his 30-year military career at West Point Military Academy and went on to achieve the rank of Major in the United States Air Force. Jack served as a Navigator, stationed in Japan and Korea, during the Korean War and remained in the Reserves after the war. He was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Crisis, became one of the first Air Force Missile Maintenance Officers, led the team that brought the first Minuteman missiles online at Minot AFB, served as Missile Maintenance Supervisor and as Chief of the Missile Maintenance Division. He achieved the highest badge awarded to missile personnel; was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal and the UN Medal; and possesses service ribbons for both Korea and Vietnam.

Jack was deeply appreciative of his family’s support throughout his military career which took them across the United States and included assignments at Minot AFB (Minot, ND), Offutt AFB (Omaha, NE), Whiteman AFB (Knob Noster, MO), and March AFB (Riverside, CA). Upon his retirement, Jack and his family returned to his hometown of Newton to be near his parents, sisters and their families.

His military and hometown roots came together in his love for and devotion to the Old Soldiers’ Reunion events held annually in Newton.

After returning, Jack was employed by Catawba Athletics and by the NC ABC board. He served the City of Newton as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and was instrumental in the creation of Southside Park. Jack was a member of Post 16 of the American Legion and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). As a cancer survivor, Jack supported the American Cancer Society through local Relays for Life and supported the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

His family’s wish is that he be remembered as a man who loved God, his country, his community, his family and his friends. They would also like to acknowledge those individuals and agencies who provided support at the end of Jack’s life, especially Maria Peeler, Beth McCaslin, John Deal, Betty Miles, Hospice of Catawba County, the staff at Abernathy Laurels, and especially the physicians and staff at the practice of Dr. D. W. Michael in Conover.

Funeral services will be held Sunday June 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Newton where Jack was an active lifelong member. The Rev. Dr. David Greene, Rev. Lara Greene, and Rev. Fred Thompson will officiate. Family visitation will be Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 6:30 – 8:30PM at Willis Reynolds Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will be at Southside Cemetery in Newton.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to: First United Methodist Church, 300 N. Main Ave., Newton, NC, 28658, or to the charity of one’s choice.