Dennis Boyd Cloninger Jr., 77, of Gastonia, NC, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Caromont Regional Medical Center. A native of Gaston County, he was born November 6, 1946, to the late Dennis Sr. and Alma Gardner Cloninger. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Sara "Sally" Cloninger; sister, Teena Barnes; grandsons, Michael and Adam Taylor.
Dennis is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth "Lisa" Cloninger and wife, Kathleen Smith; Laura Taylor and husband Mike; brother-in-law, Woody Barnes; sister, Gay Sprankle and husband Marty; grandson, Matthew Taylor; nephew, Jake Beam; niece, Kelly Fijalkowski and husband Tony; cousin, Sylvia Lewis.
Dennis was a lifelong resident of Gastonia. He graduated from Ashley High School and then Western Carolina University. He also served in the Army National Guard. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Sally Stroup; they celebrated their golden anniversary in 2020. Dennis had a lengthy career in the oil distribution and textile equipment businesses, retiring only shortly before his death. He was a member of Loray Baptist Church his entire life and was a deacon many times. He also served for many years on the board of Loray Girls Home. Throughout his life, Dennis stayed physically fit, playing tennis and racquetball, working out at the YMCA, and swimming at Wesley Acres. He enjoyed yearly fishing trips to the beach with a group of buddies from Loray Baptist. As his daughters grew, he supported their sports activities by being a starter for swim meets and cheerleader at their tennis matches. When his grandsons began to play basketball and baseball, no one was a bigger supporter, showing up at every game he could attend.
The family is grateful to Shannon Agosta, who in the last couple of years was a friend and caregiver to Dennis, going out to lunch, shopping and to appointments with him. She was faithfully by his side at his passing. Recently, son-in-law Mike also provided companionship and care to Dennis, when Dennis moved in with Laura's family.
A Memorial Service officiated by Dr. Kent Cranford will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, 11:00 AM, at Loray Baptist Church, 1128 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Loray Girls Home, 104 S. Firestone St., Gastonia, NC 28052. The South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service is honored to serve the Cloninger family.
Condolences may be sent online at: www.greenefuneral.com