Gene Autry Avant, 74, of Florence, SC, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. He was born in Johnsonville, SC, a son of the late James and Lear Prosser Avant. He is also predeceased by his daughter, Terri Jean Avant; a brother, Luther Avant and a sister, Lelia Mae Pate. Gene served his country in the US Navy and he was a self- employed carpenter in the construction business all around the area. He is survived by his son, Geno (Summer) Avant of Florence; three brothers, George Allen Avant of Hemingway, Thomas Avant of Gresham and Chris Avant of Johnsonville; and three sisters, Montez Self of Camden, Julia Ann Norton of Hemingway and Nellie Ann Avant of Johnsonville.