Vance Sprinkle Clontz

Vance Sprinkle Clontz, 84, of High Point, died Monday, October 12, 2009 at High Point Regional Medical Center. Mr. Clontz was a graduate of Morganton High School, Lenoir Rhyne College and the Executive Program of Professional Business Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served 47 years with Drexel-Heritage Furnishings, beginning his career with Morganton Furniture Company, completing his career as Vice President of Upholstery Manufacturing Operations. He served as a Director of the High Point Chamber of Commerce from 1994-1996.Mr. Clontz was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Army, Third Infantry Division, Company L, Thirtieth Infantry Regiment. During his service in Italy, France and Germany, he earned the EAMET Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Unit Badge and Croix De Guere Order of the Day.He was born in Morganton, NC, April 10, 1925, the son of Ophelia Butler Clontz and Vester Herman Clontz. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters Lucy Clontz Johnson, Louise Clontz Baker, and Ruby Clontz Allman; brothers Leroy H. Clontz, Luther H. Clontz; son Vance S. Clontz, Jr.; and granddaughter Sarah Louise Sherrill. Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Kathie Storey Clontz; daughters Kathie Clontz Sherrill and her husband Randy N. Sherrill, Laurie Clontz Cornette and her husband Jeffery T. Cornette; sons J. Timothy Clontz and his wife Renee Paul Clontz, and Andrew H. Clontz and his wife Kimberly Hedrick Clontz; grandchildren Will Sherrill and his wife Christina, Megan Clontz, Tyler Clontz, Matthew Clontz, Katitlyn Stone, Thomas Cornette, Joshua Cornette, and Rosalie Cornette; brothers Vester H. Clontz, Jr. and his wife Elma, and Dr. Frank D. Clontz and his wife Jean; sisters Nadine Clontz Browning and Mary Catherine Clontz Browning; Sister-in-law Laura Clawson Clontz; and by numerous nieces and nephews.The joy of his life was his family. From May 26, 1950 the day of their marriage until the day of his death he lived as one committed to Kathie and their children, grand children, extended family, work family and all who entered the circle of his love. Vance lived out the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi way of living, "Preach the gospel always. If necessary use words."A Memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Davis at Floral Garden, 976 Phillips Avenue, High Point, NC. Visitation will follow the service until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton with Rev. Kathie Clontz Sherrill and Rev. Randy N. Sherrill officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at Noon. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the church or charity of your choice.