In memoriam: Roger Gant Jr.

Former Glen Raven president Roger Gant Jr. has died at the age of 86. Gant served Glen Raven Inc. for 55 years in a variety of management positions and as president and board member. He also led the Glen Raven team that created Glen Raven’s Sunbrella® brand of performance fabrics in the early 1960s.

“It was my good fortune to have Roger as a wise and patient mentor,” said Glen Raven president and CEO Allen E. Gant Jr. “As is true for many Glen Raven associates, Roger not only taught me the principles of good business, but also the value of family, community and people. He was a good and faithful steward of our company and set us on a solid course that is sustaining even today.

“Our family and all Glen Raven associates are greatly saddened by Roger’s death. He was an inspiring leader, a dedicated husband and father, and one of the brightest and most compassionate individuals you could ever care to meet. The world is a better place because Roger was here, and we will miss him greatly.”

Roger Gant, Jr. was born on May 9, 1924 in Alamance County, a second-generation descendent of John Q. Gant, the founder of Glen Raven, where Roger Gant devoted his professional career. One of Gant’s most important achievements for Glen Raven was the introduction of synthetic awning fabrics and creation of the Sunbrella® brand beginning in 1961.

Gant was also a community leader, involved in numerous nonprofit organizations including Boy Scouts, Alamance Arts Council, his church and diocese, YMCA, United Way and Salvation Army. He also served as a trustee for Elon College, now Elon University and community advisor for Wachovia Bank.