Harold William Gant was born October, 12, 1912 to Henry William and Elnora Ferrell-Gant in Newbern, Tennessee. He was an outgoing fellow, even at a young age; his friends and family affectionately nicknamed him "Judge Gant." He completed high school at Bruce High in Newbern.

Harold moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he served as an Elder at Saint Paul Cumberland Presbyterian Church. There, he met his true love, Mildred Phillips; they were married August 5, 1945. Their union was graced with three lovely daughters: Cynthia Eleanor, Betty Jean and Barbara Jeanette. Harold was called to ministry around that time and began studies at Detroit Bible Institute. In 1950 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Teachers Certificate.

He began his ministry at the Cleveland, Ohio Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. Here, Reverend Gant became pastor of Sunshine Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, where he served as Pastor forty-two years. Illness compelled him to retire from pastoral duties in 1995. He was employed more than twenty years at Baker Funeral Home as Chaplain and Burial Insurance Agent.

The church was his life, and he worked at every level of the church. For more than fifteen years, he was Chaplain of the Sunday School Convention of the General Assembly. He had served as Moderator of the Texas Synod and Clerk of the Brazos River Presbytery. In 1992, he received an award for exemplary service in these branches of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

In his local community, Reverend Gant was Secretary of the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, member of the Near Southeast Neighborhood Advisory Council, an active participant in Democratic Party political campaigns, and a member of the Tarrant County Grand Jury numerous times. He was Judge of Precinct #1059 fifteen years, and affiliated with Panther City Lodge #159 - Free and Accepted Masons. In 1994, he was recognized with an award for loyal service by the J. C. Boger Chapter #229 - Order of Eastern Star.

Reverend Harold W. Gant entered rest Wednesday, February 11, 1998. He is survived by his loyal helpmate, Mildred Phillips Gant of Ft. Worth, Texas; daughters, Cynthia Eleanor Gant of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Betty Jean Gant-Fretwell of Fort Worth and Barbara Jeanette Gant Freeborn of Hurst, Texas; sons-in-law, Monsieur Fretwell and Robert Freeborn; sister Margaret Jones of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; mother-in-law, Velma Phillips and sister-in-law, Inez Felmming of Highland Park, Michigan; two grandnieces, a great-grand nephew; a devoted cousin, Ann Rice and family of Dallas, Texas; many other family members and a vast number of friends.
[Source: Funeral Bulletin]