SSG Loyd Gant Jr died peacefully in his home in Augusta, GA on January 30, 2025. Born June 29, 1955, he left us too soon at age 69. Loyd was predeceased by his parents Loyd Gant Sr and Virginia Gant and his sister Myrtice Dorch. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Gant (née Clark) and children Joaleen Taylor, Tammy Gant, Waukeshia Gant, Antoinette Gant, Antonio Gant, Makayla Gant and Malik Gant, and several siblings. Numerous grandchildren, cousins, and dear friends also mourn his loss and cherish his memory.

Loyd dedicated 20 years of his life to serving bravely in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG). He inspired four of his children and five of his grandchildren to follow in his footsteps, and they all served in the military with distinction. Loyd finished his military career as a soldier in the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) where he deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Desert Shield. He carried that same strength, resilience and discipline into every aspect of his life.

Beyond his service Loyd was a man of simple joys. He loved reading, solving crossword puzzles, and fixing whatever was broken—whether it was a machine, a piece of furniture, or someone’s bad day. He never let go of anything that could be repurposed, believing everything had value because he truly saw the good in people and situations others might overlook. That same attitude led him to adopt and take in many children and lovingly raise them as his very own. His generous fatherly love and provision changed their lives forever.

His humor, heart, and unwavering presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those blessed to have known him. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the countless things—both big and small—that he saved and made better.

The funeral service to honor Loyd Gant Jr. will be held at the Kinsey and Walton funeral home on 3618 Peach Orchard Road in Augusta, GA at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, followed by a burial with full military honors at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, GA at 2:30 p.m.

Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, Georgia 30906 (706)790-8858.