Thomas N. Clontz

Thomas N. Clontz, Jr., 78, of Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at his residence while surrounded by his family. Born in Wilkes Co., NC on December 5, 1931, he was the son of the late Thomas Nelson Clontz, Sr. and Raye Hall Clontz. Thomas was a member of Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and various other church committees. He was the mayor of Worry Crossroads, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, and was a charter member of the Chesterfield Ruritan Club. Thomas, along with is wife, owned and operated Park Plumbing and Heating. Until his death, he was the oldest licensed plumber in Burke County and the surrounding counties.Mr. Clontz is survived by his son, James M. Clontz of Morganton; daughters, Debra C. Kirby and Janet C. Bush, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Joshua T. Bush, Jesse C. Bush, Chelsea M. Clontz, and Christopher T. Clontz; a great-granddaughter, Alleigh Pearson; and a sister, Libbie Biggs and husband, Michael, of Conover, NC.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Annis Clontz, and a brother, James H. Clontz.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 28, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Neal F. Brantley, Jr. and Donald Freshour officiating. Burial will follow in Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Pat Knowles, 101 Knowles Ave., Morganton, NC 28655.