Richard L. "Rick" Gant

Richard L. “Rick” Gant, age 73, of Edgewater, died peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at AdventHealth in Daytona Beach. Born October 23rd, 1946 at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas to Charles and Norma Toney Gant, he moved to the local area in 1990.

 

Rick was a Crew Chief and Instructor in the United States Air Force, retiring as a MSgt with 21 years of service. He was especially proud of his service to our country, including his time in Thailand (Vietnam Era) where he maintained B-52’s. He was awarded many medals, including the Bronze Star and Air Force Commendation.

 

Rick was a real gentleman and a genuinely nice guy with a warm and infectious smile.  He loved to bowl and play golf.  He had deep music roots, from playing in a band in high school to his current gig as a Bass player and vocalist for “The Tradition Band.”  He received awards such as band of the year three times, entertainer of the year in 2004 and senior vocalist of the year.  He is singing with the angels now. 

 

His legacy will continue for generations to come, as his greatest pride was found in the love of his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the love of his life, JoAnn. 

 

Survivors include his wife JoAnn to whom he was with for 30 years, 24 in marriage, his 4 children, Jason (Dianne) of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Kathleen “Kathy”(Tony )Ortiz of Tampa, Florida,  Wyatt (Jaime) Gant of Edgewater, Florida, and Heather Odgers of Olney, Illinois.  He will be missed by his 8 grandchildren, Calvin, Carleigh, and Caden Stow-Ortiz, Holden Gant, Anneliese and Emeline Odgers, and Asher Bell and Ayana Gant.   Survivors also include two sisters and one brother, Ginger (Charles) Packer, North Webster, Indiana, Lisa Gant, Edgewater, Florida, and Gregg Butler-Gant (Tobias), Chino Hills, California.   Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Rebecca Ward, and his first wife and mother of his children, Susan Jean Shidler Gant.   

 

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2020 at Settle-Wilder Chapel with the Reverend Karen Allen, officiating. Interment will follow at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Florida with Military Honors. 

 

Condolences and cards may be sent to Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, 406 S. Orange St., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168.