Joseph C. "Cy" Gantt, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Hospice Marliere Care Center, New Port Richey, FL, after a courageous battle with leukemia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances "Fran" D. Foreman Gantt; daughter, Susan Samson and her husband, Paul of Trinity, FL; son, Douglas C. Gantt, Denver, CO; sister, Lee Blume, Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-law, Kyleen Franz and her husband Warren, Missouri City, TX; stepdaughters, Janet Green, Chattanooga, TN and Sandra Burkett, Upper St. Clair, PA; 3 grandchildren, Jessica Samson, Ryan Gantt and Heather Vazques; 4 great grandchildren and cherished friends, Connie Elder, Rich Newton, Tom Hill, Bill Doan and many others.

Cy was a graduate of the University of Tennessee, a member of the UT "Pride of the Southland" Marching Band and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He served in the US Army as 1st Sgt. in the 261st Inf. Reg, 65th Div. during WWII under Gen. George C. Patton.

Cy was formerly employed by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. for 46 years, retired in 1984 from the Textile Fibers Carpet Div. and was a consultant for several more years.

Still involved in the floorcovering industry, he was an Honorary Board Member of the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) at the time of his death. He was known worldwide throughout the industry and, in 2008, he was recognized for his exceptional contribution of time and service.

He received four awards, one of which was created in his honor, the "IICRC Cy Gantt Award," that will continue to be presented to a deserving individual annually.

He was Methodist in faith, an avid golfer, enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, crossword puzzles and spending time with family, friends and his beloved cat, Yeti. He was serving as Treasurer of the Sand Pebble Yacht Club until recently. He belonged to The American Legion, VFW and the Mt. Pickering Masonic Lodge, No. 446, F&AM, of Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice or The Leukemia and Lymphoma (LLS) Society. Family and friends are invited to a "Celebration of Life" January 31 at 2pm at Sand Pebble Clubhouse, Port Richey.