Colquitte (Neil) Avant passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the age of 72. Neil, (his middle name he preferred being called because no one could pronounce his family first name) was born in South Miami, Florida on November 9, 1948. He grew up in South Miami most of his life and had many lifelong friends there and throughout Florida. He lived in Fernandina Beach, Florida with his wife of 29 ½ years, Fawn Robin Avant.
He served in Vietnam in 1969 at 19 years old and finished his service in 1975.
Living throughout Florida, he moved to Tallahassee, Daytona, Orange Park, finally settling in Amelia Island. He loved living here and though he was retired he wanted to work part time. He ended up at Amelia Liquors on Sadler Road next to Publix. He loved going to work at Amelia Liquors every day; meeting new people, hearing new stories of where they came from and also the locals. The reps that came to the store and the locals kept him especially happy. It wasn’t just a job to him it was connecting with the heartbeat of Amelia Island. So many people would come in and ask about him or for him. He was the big guy at the store with big hugs and big heart. There were several customers he was very fond of and considered them dear friends. He was also close to several of the reps that would do business with the store.
He is survived by his wife, Fawn Robin Avant; his sons, Colquitte Christopher Avant, Eric Neil Avant; daughter, Taria Anne Camerino, (Denver), grandsons, Syama Lee & Maitreya Camerino, Angel Marie Painter; grandchildren, Haley Diefenbaugh, Alyssa Diefenbaugh, Chloe Diefenbaugh and Jackson Womble; brother, Tom (Bussy) Brown; sister by marriage, Dale Jane Brown. His parents predeceased him early on.
An intimate private gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please donate to The American Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.