The offices at Sunbrella today are a little somber and nostalgic as we say goodbye to one of our best friends and avid supporters, Roger Gant, Jr.  Considered one of the foremost textile innovators of his time, Roger is credited with having led the team that developed the Sunbrella product back in 1961. His leadership and tenacity brought about one of Glen Raven’s most significant product lines that, yet today, is considered the leading brand of performance fabric. We are so proud to have had an association with such a gracious and giving individual who not only excelled in his profession, but in all areas of his life, including family and community.

With a quick wit and ready smile, Roger was a delight to everyone he met. He kept an office here and regularly visited up until the end. And in that, we have so many ways to keep him with us in our hearts and minds; in the legacy he has entrusted to us, and for the future ways we can continue the commitment born in him 50 years ago.

To follow is more information about Roger Gant’s exceptional contributions to Glen Raven and all those whose lives he inspired over the years:

Roger Gant, Jr., who served as President of Glen Raven, Inc. from 1972 to 1989, has died at the age of 86.  Mr. Gant served the company in a variety of management positions and as President and Board Member for 55 years. He also led the Glen Raven team that created Glen Raven’s Sunbrella® brand of performance fabrics in the early 1960s.

“It was my good fortune to have Roger as a wise and patient mentor,” said Glen Raven President and CEO Allen E. Gant, Jr.  “As is true for many Glen Raven associates, Roger not only taught me the principles of good business, but also the value of family, community and people. He was a good and faithful steward of our company and set us on a solid course that is sustaining even today.

“Our family and all Glen Raven associates are greatly saddened by Roger’s death.  He was an inspiring leader, a dedicated husband and father and one of the brightest and most compassionate individuals you could ever care to meet. The world is a better place because Roger was here, and we will miss him greatly.”

Roger Gant, Jr. was born on May 9, 1924 in Alamance County, a second generation descendent of John Q. Gant, the founder of Glen Raven, Inc., where Mr. Gant devoted his professional career.  

Mr. Gant attended public schools in Alamance County and served with the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving decorations for meritorious service. After the War, Mr. Gant returned to North Carolina where he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He met his wife, Rose Anne, while attending college and they returned to Alamance County where they raised three children, Anne, Alice, and Roger III.  

Following graduation from UNC, Mr. Gant joined Glen Raven on October 1, 1948 and held a variety of positions culminating into president in 1972, a position he held until his retirement from management in 1989. Mr. Gant also served as a Glen Raven director, beginning with his first appointment on May 1, 1946. He continued to serve as a director for 55 years until his retirement from the board on June 7, 2001 and became Director Emeritus.

Mr. Gant was an innovative leader during his many years of service as a manager and director with Glen Raven. He fostered countless technical, financial and process improvements throughout the company while also encouraging the professional development of Glen Raven associates through continuing education.

Under Mr. Gant’s leadership, Glen Raven’s sales more than quintupled and sales per employee more than doubled. One of Mr. Gant’s most important achievements for Glen Raven was the introduction of synthetic awning fabrics and creation of the Sunbrella brand beginning in 1961. Sunbrella is today one of the world’s leading performance fabrics brands, recognized as the market leader for awnings, boating and furniture.

Not only did Mr. Gant foster innovation within Glen Raven, he also championed progressive thinking throughout the textile industry. Under his leadership, the company provided support for educational programs at N.C. State University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Institute of Textile Technology. In recognition of his support for the performance fabrics industry, Mr. Gant received a lifetime achievement award from the Industrial Fabrics Association International.

Mr. Gant was also a community leader, involved in numerous nonprofit organizations including Boy Scouts, Alamance Arts Council, his church and diocese, YMCA, United Way and Salvation Army. He also served as a trustee for Elon College, now Elon University and community advisor for Wachovia Bank.

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