Thomas “Gerald” Clontz

Thomas “Gerald” Clontz, 84, of Drexel, NC, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 after a period of declining health.  Born in Burke County, NC on October 10, 1937, he was the son of the late Thomas William Clontz and Annie Ray Anderson Clontz.  Gerald has been a member of Mount Home Baptist Church since 1986 where he served as Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of the Building Committee.  He graduated from Glen Alpine High School and was a star tailback for Jug Wilson.  He retired from Great Lakes Carbon in 1999 with 36 years of service.  He enjoyed golf, bass fishing, traveling the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and annual trips to Cades Cove.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Gerald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruby Bumgarner Clontz; daughters, Iris Toner (Jim), Cindy Herron (Wayne), and April Gamble (John David); grandchildren, Trent Toner (Sheri), Chelsey Taylor (Travis), Madeline Herron, and Grant Gamble; and great-grandchildren, Jameson Toner, Finley Toner, and Ibie Taylor.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Clontz.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Mount Home Baptist Church.  The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating.  A private cryptside service will be held at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Home Baptist Church, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.