Charles Thomas "Tommy" Koontz

Mr. Koontz was the best principal and friend. He was so loved by so many!
He was always out volunteering especially this time of year, I remember seeing him at Eblen putting bikes together or ringing to bell for the less fortunate for Christmas, he had the biggest heart!
Anytime you’d see him and Mr. Buckner out they’d would always talk to you and my oh my they would remember you and your name! Imagine all the students they had and that they remembered!!
Rest in peace Mr. Koontz! I truly loved you!

Mr. Koontz was one of the kindest, humblest, most generous and unselfish gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure to know. I became acquainted with him during the 11 years I worked at TCR and PEP. I would see him at athletic events and frequently around the halls during schooldays, always doing something to make the the school more pristine, like cleaning the trophy case across from the front office or picking up trash off the floor. Mr. Koontz always took time to speak to passers by, and he always made everyone feel like they mattered. He shared many stories with me of his time as principal at Roberson during times of great social change in the late 60s and early 70s. I was so pleased for his recognition in the Roberson District when Koontz Intermediate School was dedicated in his honor. His inspirational spirit touched so many of us, and Mr. Koontz will always be remembered with gratitude for his unconditional love.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Koontz. You shaped the lives of so, so many through your leadership, conviction and grace. You will be sorely missed. Peace be with all your Family and Friends.

Charlie McDonald

Tommy Koontz was a blessing and unlike any other adult I’d ever met as a teenager in the 70’s, and even thereafter, when as an adult I began to attend his church. His smiles were infectious, his heart so all encompassing, his encouragement for his students and others based in love, and his faith….oh my goodness, a faith that we should all be so blessed to experience. Such a graceful soldier of Christ, he in his faith, made it look effortless. What a legacy for his family, friends, and community. Sir, you were one-of-a-kind, you have run the race, you have definitely kept the faith; I can only begin to imagine the crowns you have laid at His feet. And though you will be missed by so many, you’ve been welcomed home to paradise💜. Koontz Family, prayers for your peace and comfort as you mourn, yet celebrate this great life.

Mr. Koontz is one of those rare people who you never forget. His light shines in his eyes and his smile. Always kind and gentle, diplomatic and could just make you feel better just by seeing him. The years at TCR were wonderful because of his presence and steady influence. We will all miss him but our lives were greatly enriched because of his presence.

I thank you Mr. Koontz for your wisdom and patience. You will be missed by so many. The Crawford family was so blessed to have you as a close friend.
I will always cherish our time around a fire.
Happy Trails.. 😢

I was one of Mr. Koontz Rams from the class of 1972. Our families also attended Biltmore Baptist together. He and my Mom went to Biltmore High school together. So the point of all of this is to say that for a very long time this wonderful man has been in my life. He was always fair and respectful with his students. He was just simply one of a kind and he will be missed. My prayers are with his family.

Several years ago, the Shiloh community held a reunion at Shiloh School and Mr. Koontz was there. We had a chance to embrace and to talk adult to adult. The conversation that day helped me to acknowledge the enormous weight he must have borne serving as principal of T.C. Roberson during the 60s and 70s. He told me how proud he was of me as I shared my accomplishments in life and we both understood. He was a remarkable man! Class of ‘73!

Tommy Koontz impacted SO many lives in our area. His easygoing manner and friendly chats instilled into teenage hearts a sense of direction, morality and responsibility. He was a loving, caring man that we all loved right back. I pray for peace and comfort for family and friends who suffered this great loss.

Rest in peace Mr Koontz. You were a great principal and friend. My prayers are with the family. 🙏💖

To the Knootz family, we are so sorry for your loss. Prays for your comfort in the days ahead. You will always find your parents and the family memories in your hearts, they have not gone too far! Your tribute to your Dad is beautiful. We have never, and probably never will again know such a remarkable and impressive man. He was definitely an icon for our community, there will be no other like him. He always knew us where ever we met and knew our life story as well as we did! Always called us by name, shook our hands, gave great hugs with a good tap on the back. What an honor for us to have known him for 54 years! Tom saw him awhile back and they parted with, I will see you in Heaven. Tom carries a cross on a rock and gave Mr. Knootz one that day. Until me meet again our friend!

Mr. Koontz was a friend to many including our family. He was a coach, a teacher, a principle, a man of Honor, and a man of God. He was a blessing to me when he gave comforting words and deeds during the time of my brothers illness and subsequent death. He left so many positive marks on so many. Thank you for being in our lives.

Thank you to the Koontz Family for sharing Tommy with so many of us. He is a legend, so loved and respected by thousands of people whose lives were made better knowing him, our family included. Hugs, Brian and Carol Beth and families, Sincerely, Shannon and Joe, Elizabeth, Mark and Hardy Ward

Mr Koontz was a dear and caring friend,he was the best of the best. The life he lived spoke of him. Rest in heavenly Peace Mr Koontz ❤️

Mr. Koontz was our principal at Red Oak Elementary School. Patty’s mother, Joyce Ingle, worked with him as his administrative assistant. He was a wonderful person, very caring, kind, understanding and a great educator!! His smile would always brighten your day! During his career as an educator, Mr. Koontz made a tremendous and lasting difference in the lives of thousands of students and others!! He was a fantastic and effective educator but an even more amazing person!!! Years after leaving Red Oak, each time we would have the opportunity to see Mr. Koontz, he would always make a point to talk with us! We have very fond memories of him, and he will be truly missed. He made this world a much better place!!!

Wayne and Patty (Ingle) Higgins

He was a caring man….one of the best men I have ever known. He will be missed by so many people. May he rest in peace.

I think Darlene Zackary said it so well. I appreciate Mr. Koontz’s family sharing him and the beautiful remembrance video of him with us. Blessings to everyone in his family.

I grew up elsewhere, so I never had the opportunity to know Mr. Koontz, but my husband, Tom Leslie, knew him, respected him, and loved him. Mr. Koontz had a wonderful influence on Tom. Mr. Koontz had a gentleness about him, yet Tom was never in doubt about who ran the show at Roberson! Tom considered himself very lucky to get to know him later in life through the Chick-Fil-A get-togethers. I am grateful to Mr. Koontz for his humanity, kindness, patience, and leadership he showed my husband, who also passed in 2024, during his formative teenage years. He played an important role and Tom remembered it all. Thank you, Mr. Koontz. Please say hi to Tom for me when you see him again.

“Where are Elmer, Tom, Herman, Bert, and Charlie?
The weak of will, the strong of heart, the clown, the boozer, the fighter.
All, all are sleeping on the hill.
…
And where are Ella, Cathy, Mag, Lizzy, and Edith?
The tender heart, the simple soul, the loud, the proud, the happy one.
All, all are sleeping on the hill”

Many will know why I quoted this. Some will know why I misquoted it.
RIP, Mr. Koontz