Charles Ronald Clonts

Charles Ronald Clonts, 61, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2017, at Northside Hospital (Atlanta) following a short but courageous battle with a rare and aggressive cancer known as poorly differentiated carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP). He was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Albert Clonts, and his parents, Dr. Wilber Tillman and Leetimae Folds Clonts. He is survived by his beloved dog, Petey; his partner of nearly 30 years, Sarah Paul; a sister, Viviann (“Sissy”) Clonts Bailey (Keith); two brothers, Wilber Clonts, Jr. (Esperanza) and Paul Clonts (Jeanne); nephew Paul Wilber Emmett Clonts, niece Emma Leetimae Clonts, and many cousins.  Charles was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. He graduated from Marietta High School where he excelled in football and wrestling. He earned a BA in History and Philosophy at the University of Georgia as well as an MA in Philosophy and a JD, both from Georgia State University. Charles's career included many years of service as a staff member for the United States House of Representatives. He worked tirelessly for Congressman David Skaggs of Colorado and Congressman George "Buddy" Darden of Georgia. As a staff member on Capitol Hill, Charles was instrumental in planning and coordinating Bipartisan Congressional Retreats at which Democratic and Republican Members had the opportunity to forge personal relationships that facilitated their working together more effectively. Charles also served as the project director for Congress to Campus, a program that sends bipartisan pairs of former Members of Congress to college campuses to promote public service as a career path and to provide students with a practical view on the workings of government. In addition, Charles was employed for many summers in the 1980s at the Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP). At GHP, Charles worked closely with his lifelong friend, Lonnie Love. Charles taught social studies and philosophy and was a resident assistant, a dorm director and the director of residential life at various points. Recently, he worked as a substitute teacher at Marietta High School. Family and friends were most important in Charles's life. Charles loved to travel and had fond memories of his time in New Mexico on the ranch of his lifelong friend, Kate Hoover. He also particularly enjoyed spending time in the UK with his dear friend Cary Parker and Cary’s family. Charles selflessly gave of his time and energy, particularly in caring for his parents when each was ailing at the end of life. He was infinitely generous in his efforts to attend to the needs of his brother, Glenn. He dearly loved spending time with Wilber and Emma, the children of Paul and Jeanne. He cheerfully served as preferred chauffeur and roadie for countless gigs for Sarah. Whether as teacher or staffer, partner or friend, Charles was cherished by all who knew him for his wit, his wisdom, and his steadfast loyalty and integrity. His boundless warmth and kindness, as well as his wry humor, will be sorely missed by all who love him. There will be a private memorial service. The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on June 14, 2017, at Brumby Hall and Gardens in Marietta. The family extends deepest gratitude to Dr. Justin Ford and Dr. Steven Bomeli for the improvements in Charles's quality of life under their care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles Clonts to MD Anderson Cancer Center https://gifts.mdanderson.org/ or to the Marietta Schools Foundation http://www.mariettaschoolsfoundation.com. Arrangements overseen by Medford-Peden Funeral Home & Crematory, Marietta, Georgia.

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