Frederick Vincent Dant was born on July 3, 1947, to Marion and Vincent Dant in Washington, D.C.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Whitfield and Larry Dant; first wife, Joan C. Dant; and great grandson, Colton Dant.
He is survived by his current wife, Geraldine “Jerry” Dant; his sisters, Kathy Strickland (David), Lynda Bourdon and Tina Jarrad; children, Susan Dant Woodson (Billy), Kimberly Dant Davis (Robert), Charles “Chip” Childress (Tracy) and Chris Childress (Lynda), Robert O’Brien and Susan Nichols (Jim); grandchildren, Austin Dant (Alli), Auron Davis, Sabin Davis, Quinton Childress, Natalie Nichols and Jim Nichols; great-grandchildren, Peyton Dant, Rollins Dant, Reagan Dant and Charlie Dant; and many nieces and nephews.
Fred served in the U.S. Navy as a boatswain’s mate, or “bos’n.” He loved the water, especially the ocean which fueled his children’s love of the ocean. He was an iron worker by trade and spent many years working in nuclear power plants. He was a member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers and was featured in several magazines for his knot tying abilities. He loved storytelling and teaching.
In 2016 he received a certificate in Pastoral Ministry from the Mid America Center for Ministry in Missouri. He had a strong nursing home ministry and loved to spread God’s Word with everyone. He was an elder at Philippi Christian Church in Deltaville and Clarksbury Church in Hardyville. He volunteered at this church and in his local community.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 at Clarksbury Church, which is a Global Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarksbury Church, 15924 General Puller Highway, Deltaville, VA 23043.
