Jimmy Clontz MORGANTON Jimmy "Bennett" Clontz, 77, of Morganton, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, after several years of declining health. Born in Burke County Aug. 4, 1936, he was the son of the late Robert Glen Clontz and Eva Duckworth Clontz. Bennett was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. Bennett was a legendary NASCAR Dirt Track champion. He has been voted as one of the top 25 all-time dirt track racers with many notable wins. Mr. Clontz received an award for 30 years of dirt track racing in North Carolina. Bennett is survived by his wife, Sharee Ruth Dixon Clontz, of the home; his mother, Clara Duckworth Clontz, of Morganton; daughters, Debbie Clontz Phillips and husband, Brook, of Hickory and Dr. Kim Clontz Franklin and husband, Doug, of Morganton; stepchildren, Makesha Garnder and husband, Travis and Jason Lewis; grandchildren, Kyle Gantt and wife, Tina, Dustin Gantt, Leigh Phillips, Dylan Lail, Cierra Lail, John Franklin and Livy Franklin; a step grandson, Avery; a great-granddaughter, Chloe Gantt; brothers, Robert, Harold, Bill and R. G. Clontz, all of Morganton; a sister, Durlene Shuffler, of Morganton; and a number of nephews and nieces. In addition to his father, Bennett was preceded in death by two sisters, Olivia Lackey and Frances Shirley. The funeral was held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. Dr. Dewey Thomas officiated. Burial followed in the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church cemetery. Military honors were provided by the N.C. National Guard. The family received friends at the funeral home from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Condolences may be made online at www. sossomanfuneralse rvice. com.