Ernest Haywood Clontz Jr., 92, died at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017.

A native of Surry County, he was the son of the late E.H. Clontz Sr. and Lilie Mae Callahan Clontz, and the husband of Mary Elizabeth Horton Clontz, who survives. Known as “Junior,” he was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. He was the recipient of the American Area Medal, the European Area Star and the World War II Victory Medal. His civilian career was as a heavy equipment operator for Duke Power Co. He was a Mason and member of Northeastern Lodge No. 210 AF&AM. in Fremont, Ind., and attended Chestnut Grove United Methodist Church in Mocksville.

Also surviving: a son, Steve G. Clontz of Rockwell; a daughter, Kay Stewart (Wesley) of High Point; 2 brothers, J.C. Clontz (Barbara) and Broadus Clontz (Alice Faye), all of Mocksville; a sister, Charlene Williams of Hickory; 6 grandchildren, Nick and Maxine Clontz, Alina and Eric Stewart, and Chris and Angie Beck; 12 great-grandchildren; and his canine companions, Sandy and Lacy. P

Also preceding him in death were: 2 daughters, Ernestine Beck and Annette Davis; a brother, James Clontz; and a grandson, Matthew Davis.

The family received friends from noon-1 p.m. Saturday at Chestnut Grove UMC. The celebration of life service followed in the church at 1 with the Rev. Bob Briggs officiating. Committal and interment were in the church cemetery with full military honors accorded by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard and the US Navy Honors Team. Masonic Rites were rendered by Mocksville Lodge 134 AF&AM.