Virgil Gant

“Virgil led by example,” Herrera said. “He was a man who can be trusted. He had my respect, and he was a man of integrity. That’s certainly what you want: an individual to set the example for others—not only kids, but adults alike.”

Gant began serving on the PISD school board in 2000. Board president Rebecca Decker said Gant convinced her to run for her trustee position in 2010. The two, whose spouses work together, knew each other for about 20 years. More than a fellow trustee, Gant was a friend and mentor, she said.

“He was a champion for our district,” Decker said. “Several of our buildings [exist] because of him. He [showed] great leadership and had a great vision for the district.”

Decker and Gant each earned the title of master trustee from the Texas Association of School Boards. Decker said Gant encouraged her to seek the designation. The confidence Gant showed meant a lot to her, Decker said, and he taught her a great deal while on the board together.

“He just supported me. I’m truly going to miss that,” she said. “He was my champion as well. He championed for me and encouraged me. His infectious laugh, being able to laugh at himself and his encouraging words are always going to be things I will remember.”

Kelly joined the district five years ago while Gant was board president.

“My relationship with [Gant] was special from day one,” he said. “He was both my boss and my good friend.”

Kelly said Gant—a financial advisor—brought knowledge and good intentions to the school board. Gant always put the well-being of PISD students first when making decisions, even when he was making an unpopular choice.

“Virgil, being the longest-serving member of the board, had the institutional memory that the rest of us did not have,” Kelly said. “As he would describe it, when he first joined the board, he had to work with other trustees to rescue a pretty serious financial situation. He’s been sort of the person that safeguarded our finances ever since.”

Although his serious demeanor may have sometimes portrayed otherwise, Gant often laughed and joked with other trustees, Kelly said.

“The people who knew him all knew that inside him, he had a soft heart and was very compassionate toward others,” Kelly said.

Gant, who served 28 years in the U.S. Navy, graduated from Texas A&M University in 1970, according to his obituary. He was born on the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and was raised in Lancaster, Texas.

Pearland lost one of its most supportive residents, friends said. Gant’s involvement with so many organizations was fueled by a passion to help those in the area.

“He truly loved Pearland, and if he thought there was a need, he would find a way to get involved to help with that need,” Decker said. “He had a servant’s heart. Pearland was his home, and he was doing everything to make it a great place to live for everybody.”