James Garry Clontz

Our loving and devoted Dad, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa and Friend, James “Garry” Clontz born October 10th, 1927, passed away December 2nd, 2025, at Novant Hospital in Matthews NC at the age of 98 due to congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones at his passing and is now in the hands of the Lord.

Garry, born in Union County in the small town of Fairview, NC was the youngest boy of 8 children (5 boys and 3 girls) born to Clarence Clontz and Lottie Stilwell Clontz. He grew up on a farm where from the age of 6, he learned farming the land and the value of hard work. After graduating from Fairview High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 during the Korean War and served at Fort Bragg, working in the motor pool and discovering the trade that would become his lifelong career as a mechanic. He married Jean Troutman of Midland NC in 1956 and had they had two children Lisa and Dale. He later spent the last 20 years of his career with the City of Charlotte as a master mechanic, but his heart always belonged to farming—the way of life he shared with his beloved wife, Jean, as they faithfully tended to their animals and kept a large garden every year. A gentle, kind-hearted man, Garry found joy in restoring antique Farmall tractors from the 1930s and 1940s, proudly driving them in the Mint Hill town parade. Garry lived with his family in Mint Hill since 1964. He will be remembered for his gentle kindness, quiet strength, and his love of the land, along with the warm friendly presence he shared with everyone who knew him.

Garry was preceded in death by his wife Jean Troutman Clontz 1938-2022, his son Garry Dale Clontz 1959-2021, and his granddaughter Amy Lynn Clontz 1978-1986 (mother Jan Davis), along with his father, Clarence Clontz 1893–1971, his mother, Lottie Stilwell Clontz 1896–1956 and his siblings Isaac Avery Clontz 1916–1982, John Hilton Clontz 1919–1998, Margaret Lou Clontz Mullis 1921–1999, Clarence Turner Clontz 1923–1994, Worth Blair Clontz 1925–1988, Betty Love Clontz Hill 1931–2013, and Polly Brown Clontz Knight 1932–2024.

Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his daughter Lisa Jan Clontz of Mint Hill, NC, his granddaughter Crystal Clontz Davis (Darren) and great granddaughters Kira and Kenley Davis of Waxhaw, NC, granddaughter Amber Clontz, of Elgin, SC, and daughter-in-law Kathy Clontz of Indian Trail, NC, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

All are welcome to attend Garry’s Visitation and Life Celebration Service, which will both be held at:

· Arlington Baptist Church – The Old Chapel, 9801 Arlington Church Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227

· Sunday, December 21st at 3pm

· Reception After the Service, at 415pm, with food and drinks in the Family Life Center next door to the Old Chapel, lovingly provided by the ladies at Arlington Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome any Memorial Donations to be gifted to Arlington Baptist Church in Garry’s honor - https://arlingtonchurch.com/online-giving/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Clontz Family may be shared at McEwen Mint Hill Chapel website - www.mcewenminthillchapel.com

Any Cards of Sympathy and Support may be sent to the following address:

The Clontz Family

7725 Allen Black Rd

Mint Hill, NC 28227

Please keep the Clontz Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.