Donald Hubert Gant

Donnie Gant was born in Cleveland, MS on October 29, 1946, to Louise and Hubert Gant. Donnie worked for Sanders Seed during high school and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1964. He attended Delta State University in 1966 and received a degree in accounting and a minor in economics in January 1970. He served his country in the National Guard from 1965-1971 and was a Staff Sergeant when discharged.

During college he worked for Baxter lab and farmed part time with his father. After college, he decided what he was going to do when his dad lost the 80 acres he was renting and Doc Griffin offered him 320 acres. The decision was made and his future in farming was secured and the legacy of Gant and Sons Partnership was started.

Donnie was a member of Bolivar County Farm Bureau Federation and served as past county president. He also served as Vice President of the North District of the Farm Bureau Federation for over 20 years, served on the Farm Bureau Casualty Company Board, the Farm Bureau Life Company Board, was past Chairman of the MS Farm Bureau Rice Committee and was past Chairman of the US Farm Bureau Federation Rice Committee.

He was a proud member of the MS and American Soybean Association, U.S. Corn Growers Association, MS Certified Seed Association, Advisory Council of the MS Water Resources Committee, Delta Council and a member of the Delta Farmers Advocation Resource Management (F.A.R.M.).

He started the Farm Family of MS Education Program that designed the car tag to raise awareness of the importance of farming. He received the Delta F.A.R.M. Environmental Stewardship award in 1998 and was the 2009 Mississippi winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award.

On April 21, 1967, he married the love and light of his life, Dorthy Lillian (Lil) Powers. They were married for 59 years and had three children and six grandchildren. His love for his family was never in question as he showed it every day. But he truly held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. Donnie held several titles over the years, but by far his favorite was Papa. The only thing that came close to the love he had for his family was his faith and devotion to the Lord.

Donnie was a member of Morrison Chapel Baptist Church since he was child. Over the years he was involved in the church youth groups, led several Sunday School classes, and served as a Deacon and was Treasurer for over 50 years.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Lil; son Michael (Mike) Donald Gant and his wife, Michelle, of Merigold, MS; daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Michelle Mounce and her husband, Michael, of Merigold, MS; and son, Dennis Scott Gant and his wife, Leigh-Anne, of Merigold, MS; and his beloved grandchildren, Megan Vance and her husband, Hunter, Anna Scott Gant, Carsley Gant, Brett Gant and Emily Mounce of Merigold, MS; sister Linda Douglas and her husband Bobby, of Madison, MS. He is preceded in death by his grandson, John Colby Gant.