Walter "Doc" Thomas Koontz

Walter “Doc” Thomas Koontz, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 27 at his residence surrounded by family.

Walter was born to the late Foley Thomas “Tom” Koontz and Nora Francis McDaniel Koontz on October 8, 1941 in Davie County NC. He attended Cleveland Elementary and Cleveland High School until West Rowan High School was built and graduated in 1960. He retired from Grinnell Fire Protection in Cleveland, NC after 40 years. He married Betty Charlene Stevenson Koontz on June 20, 1964 at Troutman Baptist Church. He was a member of Cleveland First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife Charlene, his sister Barbara Jean Haire and a great-granddaughter Paislee Horne.

Those to cherish his memories are his daughter, Deborah Koontz Horne (James), sister Sue Koontz White (Richard), grandchildren Chelsea Atwell (Allen Underwood), James Ray Horne (Natalie), Travis Todd Upright, David Horne (Hanna), Grace Charlene Horne. Great-grandchildren Zoe Althea Atwell, Isabella Grace Underwood, Emoree Rae Horne, Caydence Olivia Horne, Kaleb Ray Underwood. Nephews; Tim (Stacy) White, Jim (Melanie) Haire, Nieces; Traci (Jody) Steele, Cathy Haire. A host of great nieces and nephews including Claire Steele, Ashlynn McNeely, Jacob Steele, Amber White, Sarah Steele, Mira White, Jake Haire, and Cody Haire.

He loved his family overall and was always there for them anytime day or night. His passion in life was farming and animals. Doc Koontz Stables was nationally known for producing/training and showing World Champion Tennessee Walking Horses. At one point he trained and stabled over 40 horses. He also loved classic cars and enjoyed taking his cars to Cruise Ins on the weekends.

The family would like to thank his long time lady friend Debra Cress for her commitment to him and over the duration of his illness helping assist and care for him.

Visitation: 1:00-1:45 PM Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Cleveland First Baptist Church, 200 Maple St., Cleveland, NC 27013

Service: 2:00 PM Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Cleveland First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Kessler Ruth, former pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Cleveland Town Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cleveland First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 325, Cleveland, NC 27013.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Koontz family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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