Obituary-Charles Andrew Cloninger
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Charles Andrew Cloninger, Dallas, N.C., passed away April 4, 2007 after a long battle with leukemia. Cloninger was born Feb. 25, 1920 and was diagnosed with cancer in 1999.
He is survived by sons Don Cloninger, Rock Hill, S.C., Tony Cloninger, Dallas, N.C., daughter Sharron Herrin, Newton Grove, N.C., and grandchildren Elizabeth, Maria, Charles, Anna and Will Herrin, Travis and Tyler Cloninger.
Cloninger was a long time horse enthusiast that started his own training barn in Dallas, N.C., during the 1960s. He started with his children showing at the local shows. He loved the challenge of breaking and starting colts. Cloninger attended his first Celebration in 1967 as he watched Go Boy’s Sundust carry home the roses. Cloninger continued to make his yearly trip to Shelbyville until health problems in 2003.
Cloninger was involved in many different organizations including the Gaston County Horseman’s Association, the Gaston Saddle Club, The National Trainers’ Association, the Breeders’ Association as well as his numerous involvements in his church and community. Many who knew him loved to sit and listen to his stories about the good old days in the walking horse world. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 536, Dallas, NC 28034 or The Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.