AJ Gant, 73, of Champaign passed away on March 29,2020 at Illini Heritage Nursing Home.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

AJ was born on July 31, 1946, in Marianna Arkansas, to parents Booker T. Gant Sr and Willie Mae Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Booker T. Gant Jr, Willie James Banks, Frank Banks, Richard Banks, and his sister, Edna Mason.

Survivors include his long term partner, Ruby Rodriguez; his sisters, Ann Banks of TX, Allean Gant of CA, Pearley Crymes of WI, and Patricia McKeown of WI; his children, Antonette Gant of Champaign IL, Angelia Gant of Champaign IL, Valarie Jenkins of Crystal Springs MS, Devris Hunt of Champaign IL, Victor Hunt of Champaign IL, Caprice Hunt of Champaign IL, Yolanda Brown of Champaign IL, Vincent Burnett Sr (Louise) of Chicago IL, and Byron Ward of Champaign IL and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

AJ moved from Arkansas to Illinois in the 1960's where he spent the rest of his life in the Champaign area. He started his carpentry career working for Hunt Brothers Carpet Service and eventually took over, re-naming the business Gant & Sons. He worked on many projects including some at the U of I. As a man of strong character, AJ worked hard for many years. He will be missed by family and friends.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com