George Davis Avant, 86, died Monday, Oct. 1, 2007 at his home, he is survived by his wife of 48 years Gayle Elizabeth Christensen Avant.

George was born March 23, 1921 in his grandmother's house on Park Avenue in Tallahassee, to the late David Alonzo Avant and Fenton Garnett Davis Avant, he grew up in Gadsden County near Mt. Pleasant.
Graduated from Leon High School in 1938 and the University of Florida in 1942, he was a member of Florida Blue Key and the Slippery Seven.
Joined the Navy and earned a master's degree from Cal-Tech in meteorology, served two years on Ebeye Island in the Pacific as Aerology and Photo Officer during World War II, Lt. Commander Avant retired from the Naval Reserve after 26 years of service.
George personified America's Greatest Generation; he approached every endeavor with keen intellect, passion, honesty and integrity. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic are evidence by the many simultaneous careers and businesses in which he was involved, after graduating from the School of Modern Photography in New York City.
He started L'Avant Studios with his brother and best friend, David. While they were building their studio he taught mathematics at Florida State University, he continued his education by earning a degree in economics from Florida State University. While operating the studio he began careers in construction, real estate development and timber farming, in 1964 he became a stockbroker with A.G. Edwards & Son Inc. and retired at age 80 after 35 years of service. He was a proud member of Rotary Club of Tallahassee for 55 years, with 33 years of perfect attendance and multiple Paul Harris Fellowships; he was active in East Hill Baptist Church before joining First Presbyterian Church and later Faith Presbyterian Church, where he served many years as a Deacon.
He was chapter and state president of the Sons of the American Revolution and started its Endowment Trust Fund; he was also one of the founding members of the David Lang Chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Held membership in the Order of the Cincinnati and the Order of Founders and Patriots, he was instrumental in founding Westminster Oak Active Retirement Community.
George's interests included reading, history, and photography and following the financial markets, he was an avid tennis player and played doubles most afternoons on his tennis court with his many friends. He touched many lives, as a teacher, mentor and role model, leading by example, his generous spirit and high moral character will provide a lasting legacy.

Other survivors include two daughters: Fenton Garnett Avant and Inger Maria Avant; one son: George D. Avant Jr. (Leanne); three grandchildren: Leah Anne Avant Coleman (Brain), Callie Elizabeth Avant and George D. Avant III; a sister: Eugenia Avant McJunkin (Morgan) of Lake Placid, FL.; and numerous nieces and nephews, including David A Avant III and Neville McJunkin, who were especially close and in Tallahassee.