R.L. Avant, 89, of Dover, died Sept. 28, 2016.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Dover. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in World War II. He was a farmer, mineworker and a deacon at his church.
He is survived by his son, Tommy Avant (Kathy); daughters, Barbara Taylor (Scott), Kathleen Ross (Jim) and Debbie Williams (Larry); grandchildren, Brandy Scott, Alex Ross (Sheila), Aaron Ross (Nicole), Nick Williams (Candice), Ashley Woods (Matt), Josie Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Katlyn Anderson and Michael Andrews; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Marie Avant; brother, Roland Avant; and sister, Jewel Smith.
A funeral service was held Oct. 3, at First Baptist Church of Dover.
Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.