Joel Russell Cloninger, age 65, of Belton, SC, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023, at AnMed Health Medical Center. Born July 19, 1957, in Kings Mountain, NC, he was a son of the late Earl Cloninger and Mary Reba "Sis" Etters Cloninger. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Scott Cloninger. Rusty was a graduate of Appalachian State University and enjoyed a 30 plus year career in education. It was not a job; it was his calling. He was a teacher and coach at Belton Middle School and received the honor of being named the Middle School Coach of the Year in 2017. He was also a driver's ed instructor. He was involved with the Good News Club at Belton Preparatory Academy and was director of Hoops for Heart at Belton Middle School, raising money for the American Heart Association. His love for his students was evident to all who knew him. Music was Rusty's passion; he was a talented drummer and had sung at the Grand Ole Opry. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and hunting but more than anything he loved playing with his grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Barker's Creek Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. His love for his family was never ending and he will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rhonda Shytles Cloninger; son, Joel Russell Cloninger II (Mary Frances); daughters, Kristen Cloninger Wright (Jason) and Scottlyn Cloninger McCullough (Grayson); grandchildren, Abigail and Benjamin Cloninger and Emily Wright; and brother, Al Cloninger (Susan); and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 6:00 pm - until, at Barker's Creek Baptist Church, Honea Path, SC. The funeral service will be held at the church on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 4:00 pm with Rev. Wesley Taylor officiating. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain, NC. Flowers accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org., Shriners Hospital, www.shrinerschildrens.org, or Compassion International, www.compassion.com. The family will be at the home. Events Visitation Sunday, May 21, 2023 6:00PM Barker's Creek Baptist Church Honea Path, SC, US , Funeral Service Monday, May 22, 2023 4:00PM Barker's Creek Baptist Church Honea Path, SC, US , Graveside Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:00PM Mountain Rest Cemetery 111 S. Dilling Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086