Norman Richard Gant, 90, of Dade City, entered into the presence of the Lord peacefully on October 22nd after a long and fulfilling life.

Richard was born on December 5, 1933, in Tampa, FL, to Drury and Genevieve (Coley) Gant. Richard attended various public schools graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1951. After graduating, he actively served in the US Navy for 2 years as an engineman on the USS Cowell and then continued to serve for 4 more years in the Naval Reserves. Throughout his career, he worked at a variety of jobs with most of his time working for TECO, Combustion Engineering, American Controls and Instruments, and the City of Tampa Water Department retiring from there in 2012.

Richard married Martha (Osborn) in 1958, during their 66 years of marriage they had three children, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Richard loved Jesus and was very active in the church throughout his life. Over the years he served in various capacities in churches within the Florida Baptist Convention. Richard went on multiple mission trips, served as a counselor with the Billy Graham Crusade and participated in the Promise Keepers march in Washington, DC. His sincerest wish was for everyone to hear God's plan of salvation.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his half-brother Tommy of Georgia, and granddaughter Ashton Laurel Barden.

Richard is survived by his wife Martha Gant; son Russell Gant and his wife Loreen (Freijo), daughter Laurel Barden and her husband Randy, daughter Kathleen Fahle and her husband Jack; by his grandsons Timothy Barden and his wife GloryGrace, Cody Barden, Nathaniel Gant, and Josiah Gant; his 4 Great Grandchildren (Melody, Willow, Laz and August) and his half-brother Hugh Gant of Georgia.

Committal Services and Full Military Honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery at 9:30am on November 18th, followed by his Celebration of Life Service at First Baptist Church Bushnell at 11am with visitation and luncheon to follow. RSVP for luncheon requested.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the one of the following organizations which Richard held dear: Gulfside Healthcare Services - Hospice, Samaritans Purse and/or Mercy Ships.