William Zimmerman Gant, 61, of Davenport Florida died suddenly on Tuesday, August 9 while cruising in Europe. A long time Millville resident and attorney, Bill was the son of the late Charles and Ella Gant, and the husband of Debora Hall Gant. He graduated from Millville High School, the University of Virginia, and Delaware Law School (now Widener), practicing law for many years with his father and brother in law William Forester. Although Bill played basketball, tennis, and soccer in high school, tennis was his lifelong sport and he was a great competitor in tennis circles in South Jersey and on the family court. During his lifetime he gave his time and energies to the community, serving as President of the Millville YMCA Board of Directors, President of the Millville Alumni Loan Fund, and President of the Millville Library Board of Trustees for 20 years.
Bill loved the sea and had many wonderful days boating in Stone Harbor, on the Chesapeake and at the NJ Shore. A man of varied interests, he spent his time reading, especially World War II history and Science Fiction, writing poetry, and memorizing jokes. But most of all, Bill was passionate about his family and was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. All who knew him appreciated his bon vivant spirit, his humor, and his sunny disposition. The recent Florida years were happy for him, spending time with his wife, traveling,playing golf, and making new friends at Del Webb. Bill, who enjoyed all types of music and crooning with family and friends in spirited karaoke sessions, died while singing "Summer Winds" aboard ship, a fitting end for a lovely and beloved man. Bill is survived by his wife of 34
years, Debora, children, Jennifer, Doug, and Sarah, brother Dr. Charles Gant Jr., sister Nancy Forester (Bill), sister in law DeAnn Law (Bill), sister in law Laura Hall and special cousin Eddie
Gant (Cindi). He will be missed as a fun loving uncle by Josh, Jason, Kevin, Lauren, Matt, Mike and Shaun. A memorial service will be held at Barr Funeral Home, 2104 E Main Street, Millville on Friday, August 19 at 11am. Memorial donations can be made to The Millville Public Library, 210 Buck Street, Millville NJ, 08332.