Obituary of Jack VanZant

Jack VanZant, age 91 of Gate City, VA, entered the glories of Heaven on Sunday, October 8, 2023.  Jack was born on October 26, 1931, in Scott County, VA to Melinda VanZant Bartlett.  On June 9, 1956, Jack married his most cherished friend, and love of his life, Betty Qualls.  After sharing a beautiful life together and raising a family, she survives.

Jack loved his family, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Jack was the founder of “Kid’s Fishing Day” that is held at the Natural Tunnell State Park.  Jack worked 32 years as an engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and he served two years in the United States Army.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Melinda VanZant; and his daughter, Sharon Royle.  Those left to cherish Jack’s memory are his loving wife, Betty VanZant; two sons, Timothy VanZant and wife Kimberly, and Dennis VanZant and wife Melinda; grandchildren, Dustin Royle, Sonya Hill, Alisha Bobrosky, Ariel Watson, Tyler VanZant, Travis VanZant, and Garrett VanZant; great-grandchildren, Jacob Bobrosky, Mason Bobrosky, Adi Watson, Sophie Watson, Haley Watson, and Lilly Royle; and one sister, Kate Chambers and husband Wayne.

There will be a private military graveside service, for family and church family, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Holston View Cemetery with Pastor George Winegar officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 3/265.  There will be an afternoon dinner reception to follow the graveside service at Salley’s Chapel Fellowship Hall. 

Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home, Weber City, VA is in charge of the arrangements.