Harold Delane Clontz

Harold Delane Clontz, 81 of Monroe, North Carolina passed away Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at Atrium Health Concord.

Harold was born August 25th, 1944, in Union County, North Carolina to the late Harold Ruben Clontz and Ila Mae Brafford Clontz. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Vivian Clontz.

Harold spent decades working for Mechanical Contractors of Charlotte, NC as a sheet metal fabricator and lead installer until retirement at 65.

Born into a farming community, Harold spent his youth learning the value of hard work and how to appreciate a slow, simple life. The farm life is where Harold’s love for animals began to blossom. From cattle to peacocks and everything in between... even a buffalo. There wasn’t an animal that Harold didn’t want as part of his farm.

Later in life Harold would discover his love for raising rabbit dogs. Affectionately referred to as “ugly puppies”. It wasn’t often that Harold could walk the farm without a few furry companions by his feet. His “ugly puppies” were even special enough to become a patch on his famous puppy dog hat that he never left home without.

When he wasn’t working on the farm and tending to his animals, Harold spent his youth perfecting his stance on 3rd base. With his sister and best friend, Sue, by his side as catcher, Harold would spend hours outside at home perfecting his throws. His love for baseball continued into his 80’s with “The Little League World Series” being a highlight for him each year!

With a unique mindset of strong ingenuity, there wasn’t much that Harold couldn’t fix. Tinkering on his tractor was where he could be found most days following his retirement. Harold loved his life on the farm, and he enjoyed his ability to steward it well.

Harold, Delane, Pete, Laney, Lane had just as many friends as nicknames throughout the years. His signature “Hey Youngin’ ” greeting could brighten anyone’s day. Harold loved to give, whether it was fresh produce from his garden or a baby chick from his latest batch of hatchlings... His biggest joy in life was outgiving the giver.

Harold is survived by his sister, Sue Clontz Smith of Hamlet, North Carolina, his nephew, Lindy Brooks (Minda) of Wake Forrest, great-niece, Zoe Brooks, great-nephew, Quinn Brooks, many neighbors and countless friends.

He left a legacy of generosity, kindness, and selflessness and will be dearly missed.

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Monday, February 23rd, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm in the Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel of Midland officiated by Rev. Brian Austin. Burial will follow at the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery at 420 Hopewell Church Rd. Monroe.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Clontz family.