Winton Earl Gantt Jr. passed away on March 9, 2026 at his home surrounded by love and comfort. Earl was born May 20, 1944 in Savannah to his loving parents Winton Earl Gantt Sr. and Mary Wallace Gantt. Earl was survived by his three children Glenn Winton Gantt (Annette), James Brian Gantt, and Cheryl Gantt Bryant (Raymond); four grandchildren Michael Duane Purvis Jr., Brittany Purvis Dellorco, Alex Walker (Ashley), and Alicia Ragoobar (Lloyd); four great grandchildren Preston, Isabella, Ollen, and Hayden; one loving and faithful companion, his grand dog Lucy. Earl was an only child but his childhood home was filled with cousins he loved. Joan Earnhart was like a sister to him. Earl also had a lifelong friend Pat Nelson that he loved as a brother. Earl loved God, his family and his country. Earl was of the Baptist faith and sang in the choir in his younger years. He graduated from Savannah High School. In High School he was in the ROTC, completed basic training and later joined the 165th Air National Guard. He worked as a dental technician and was the owner of Gantt Dental Lab for more than forty years. Earl loved life and enjoyed many activities. In his younger years, he had a passion for drag racing, playing basketball and softball; proudly bringing home many trophies. Later, he occasionally coached his son’s baseball teams. Earl loved the water and spending time swimming and fishing, especially shark fishing. He was also an avid firearms enthusiast. In his retirement years, Earl could often be found at Thunderbolt Bait House (formerly Adam’s Bait House), where he enjoyed helping his grandson, Michael. Many people loved stopping in not only to buy bait, but also to share a good conversation. More often than not, Earl could be found sitting on the porch of the bait house, soaking up the sunshine which he truly loved. Earl was a strong and brave man in the eyes of his family. All three of his children would agree that their father was their lifelong hero. Throughout his life, and especially in his final days, Earl’s faith remained unshakable, steady, strong, and never wavering. He was a Christian example to all who knew him. Earl will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. A Graveside Service will be held Friday March 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Bonaventure Cemetery 330 Bonaventure Road Savannah, GA 31404.
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Jim Titus
Earl was certainly a wonderful human being. I had the privilege of meeting him at the bait shop and will always remember him for his kindness and his generosity, it was an honor to have known him. My condolences to all those in his family.
Bo and Liz Bohannon
Earl was one of the kindest people we have known. Although we’ve only known him for eight years, he made us feel like we were part of the family. We used to visit him at the bait shop, bringing fresh watermelon or western magazines that he loved to read. He will be missed. Our condolences to Glenn, Brian and Cheryl, and all the family.
Alicia Nowland
The passing of a loved one can be one of the hardest things we go through as human beings – praying for God to provide the family with strength and comfort in a difficult time – and also praying that the family holds strong to the joy, hope, love, and most importantly peace the God promises to his children – I didn’t know Earl personally, however I knew his son Glenn, and if his children are any inkling to the man Earl was – I am certain that heaven is singing and rejoicing at his coming home and I wish I could be there for the celebration of his life with you all! God bless, and sing a song for him- he has fulfilled his life here on Earth and is now truly where we all hope to be one day, in the presence of the Great and Mighty Creator- Father to us all – love you!
david blount
sorry to hear of earl i knew him since we were in our early teens he was such a great guy will be missed by many may GOD bless the family at this time.
Brad Barefield
So Sorry To Hear Of Earl’s Passing, He was a Good Friend To My Father and His Buddies
Patrick Nelson
Dear Cheryl, Brian, and Glenn,
I was very saddened to hear about Earl’s passing. I’m sorry I’m unable to attend the funeral, but my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Earl was a wonderful Little League coach who meant a great deal to me growing up. I’ll always be grateful for what he taught me and for the many great memories I had with your family during those years.
He will be remembered with great respect and appreciation.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Patrick “Buddy” Nelson
Kathe Breckenridge Arnsdorff
We are happy for Uncle Earl’s promotion to the presence of his loving Savior. He has always been our sweet and adorable uncle, full of life, precious. We will miss him for awhile, until we are reunited in heaven. Blessings, much love and peace to Glenn, Brian, Cheryl.
Cathye Rhodes
I am very sorry as I just learned of Earl’s passing. Tommy and I thought so much of Earl, as a dear friend. He was always so kind. I pray for God’s comfort to surround all of you during this time.
Cathye Rhodes,
Wife of the late Tommy Rhodes
Brian S O'Neal
May he Rest in Peace.
Tim Stafford
So sorry to hear of Earls passing. Many memories of going to the races at Savannah speedway. My prayers are with the family.
The White Family
“Your dead ones will live.” (Isaiah 26:19) May this promise from our Heavenly Father fill your heart with comfort, peace and hope.
ken young
Earl, was a great American. I went all thru school with him: 38th street school, Richard Arnold Junior High and then Savannah High School! He was just a very nice person; in fact, I went by the bait house to say hello and he had retired! I was never ever able to catch up with him! I was never able to have lunch with him, as I had planned. Earl, was just a very nice person. His children and GrandChildren were certainly BLESS to have such a fine father and Grandfather!!
Annointed Blessings,
Ken Young
Wilmington Park