Michael McCoy Gant

Michael McCoy Gant, age 66, of Knoxville, Tennessee died of heart failure on January 25, 2018. He was born on July, 1, 1951, in Huntington, WV, where he grew up. He graduated from Marshall University, and received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Political Science. He taught at Texas A&M University and retired as Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Tennessee, where he served as Head and as Director of the Social Science Research Institute. He also served as the twenty-third moderator of the Presbytery of East Tennessee in 2006. He loved playing bridge and shortly before becoming too ill to play had attained his Sectional Master certificate. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, John and Idell Gant; his brother, Stephen Gant; and by his father- and mother-in law, Vince and Betty Callison. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; and three sons, Aaron, Nathan, and Daniel (Samantha). He is also survived by his brother, John (Kathie) of Holland, Michigan; sister-in-law Debi Powers Gant of Aurora, Colorado; sister- and brother-in-law, Deborah and Jeffrey Groat of Maryville, Ohio; and several nephews and nieces. He was a member of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, had served as elder and had taught Sunday school. Special thanks go to Hospice and particularly his nurse, Christina, for compassion and support during his final days. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3, from 2:00-4:00, at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church; his memorial service will be at 4:00 . In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, or to the charity of your choice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael McCoy Gant please visit our Sympathy Store.