WALTERBORO :     Mr. Robert Neal Avant Sr., loving husband of the late Millie Jean Crosby Avant, passed away Friday afternoon, February 3, 2023 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston after an extended illness.  He was 88.

Neal was born in Colleton County April 12, 1934 to the late C.D. "Jim" Avant and the late Tula Butler Avant.  Neal faithfully served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War.  He joined the Navy because he could serve with his brother Jimmy on the same ship….the USS Black.  When he got out of the Navy, he married the love of his life Millie, and later moved to his property known as "The Horse Pen".

Neal loved to hunt, ride horses and raise animals.  He also loved to camp with his kids when they were growing up at the Combahee River.  He loved taking them on boat rides.  Later in life, he and his wife Millie loved camping at Edisto Beach.  He was an avid Gamecock fan and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he once served as the Commander.  Neal was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family.  He was employed by Asten Hill, where he retired after forty years of service.

Neal is survived by his daughters Donna Avant Miller (Terry), Rhonda Avant McDonald (Larry) and Mary Jo Fox.  He leaves behind his brothers Jimmy Avant (Jennie), and Don Avant (Karen), his sister Peggy White, and his sister-in-law Elaine Avant.  He is survived by fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife of fifty years, he was preceded in death by his daughter Carla Avant Reeves, by his son Robert Neal "Bubba" Avant Jr., by his grandchildren Justin Reeves and Robert Bradley McDonald, by his great-granddaughter Karli Kiersin Reeves, by his brother Carl Avant, and by his sister Polly DeWitt.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, February 9, 2023 at 11:00 in the chapel of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, with burial following in the Live Oak Cemetery.  The family will receive friends during a time of visitation Wednesday evening, February 8, from 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home, and In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12102, P.O.B. 602, Walterboro, SC  29488.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.