David Brent Cloninger

The Honorable David Brent Cloninger, of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, passed away on October 18, 2026, in Concord, North Carolina. He was born on November 17, 1963, in Cabarrus County, and lived a life rooted in the community he called home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 100 St. John’s Church Road, Concord, NC. A private family committal service will be held at a later date. The Cloninger family will receive friends on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at Gordon Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant, 8559 Cook St., Mount Pleasant, NC

Brent graduated from Mount Pleasant High School as a member of the Class of 1982. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Upon graduation from UNC, Brent worked in the family-owned insurance business for four years. In 1990, he began law school at the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. He graduated from law school in 1993 and then began his solo law practice in Cabarrus County where he practiced in all courts, District and Superior, and in all areas of law. In November of 2010, Brent was elected as a District Court Judge in Cabarrus County. He was sworn in on January 1, 2011, and has remained in that position, having been reelected in November of 2014, 2018 and 2022. He was currently a sitting District Court Judge for Judicial District 25 serving the citizens of Cabarrus County with commitment and a deep connection to the people and place that had shaped his life.

Brent has been around the legal field throughout his life. His father was in law enforcement for over 50 years, where he was a Trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and upon retirement, he served as a Bailiff with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s. When Brent is not in the Courtroom, he has been involved with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and the Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board as a past member.

A true Renaissance man, Brent possessed deep knowledge, talent and curiosity across multiple diverse fields including history, sciences, politics and philosophy. Brent cherished his family and the time he spent with them. Vacations, simple family meals, and gatherings were treasured parts of his life, reflecting the warmth and closeness he valued so deeply. Brent was a Tar Heel born and bred. Throughout his life he supported, mourned, and celebrated all things Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa McRorie Cloninger; her daughter, Alyssa Huie (Harrison); his brother, Bobby Cloninger (Lynda); his nieces, Emily Slagle (Jacob) and Anna Cloninger; his nephew, Robert Cloninger; great niece, Caroline Slagle; great nephew, Harrison Slagle. Those who knew Brent will remember the importance he placed on family, fellowship, and sharing life’s meaningful moments together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby June Cloninger and Bernice Harrison Cloninger.

Brent Cloninger will be remembered for his service to Cabarrus County, his dedication to the law, and the love he held for his friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Cabarrus K9 Retirement Fund.