William Robert “Bob” Avant, age 87, of Arcadia, FL passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016 in Arcadia, FL. Bob was born January 3, 1929 In Arcadia, FL. Bob graduated from Desoto High School, Class of 1946. He was a rancher and farmer. Bob was a veteran of the U. S. Army. He loved the great outdoors and having family bar-b-ques. He was a former DeSoto Co. Commissioner. Bob was a Deacon Emeritus at Arcadia First Baptist Church, a former member of FL Cattleman’s Association, and a member of the NRA. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting when he was in better health. He loved listening to country music and the old time gospel music. He was a member of Arcadia First Baptist Church.
Survivors are on son; Robert A. (Lorna) Avant, Arcadia, FL, three daughters; Jannie (David) Mackey, Wauchula, FL, Joann (Jim) Byrd, Okeechobee, FL, Janice Avant, Arcadia, FL, nine grandchildren, Jessica Farmer, Aaron Yarbrough, Michael Cross, Amy Edmonson, Robbie Avant, Timmy Avant, and Chrissy Avant, Becky Miller, and Rorry Stalcup, and fourteen great grandchildren, Emily Avant, Dylan Castro, Danielle Castro, A. J. Yarbrough, Madison Yarbrough, Zachary Newman, and Jacob Newman, Ethan Beck, Macy Beck, Titan Miller, Luca Desabotino, Maverick DeSabotino, Hayden Stalcup, Rylin Stalcup, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Jane Avant, one brother, Henry P. Avant, and three sisters, Doris Schard, Irma Hall, and Una Terry.
Visitation will be conducted from 2:00PM until 3:00PM, Sunday, September 18, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Arcadia, FL. Funeral services will follow at 3:00PM with Pastor William Terry and Pastor Matthew Clayton officiating. DeSoto Honor Guard will render military honors at the cemetery. Burial will be at Joshua Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com
Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangements.