Claudius “Claude” Edward Huggins: Tabor City

September 22, 1922 – June 28, 2018

     Claudius Edmond Huggins of Tabor City was born to Ira B. and Margaret McQueen Huggins of Green Sea.

     On July 16, 1948, Claude married Avie Lee Herring of Loris and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until Mrs. Huggins death in 2013. They were the parents of three sons who survive: Claudius Edmond Jr. (BJ) of Cary, Randy (Pam) of Southport, and Dennis (Jan) of Wilkesboro.

     Grandchildren are Chrissie (Forrest) Wills, Doug (Alison) Huggins, Amanda (Matt) Gleason, Jeffrey Huggins, Abby Huggins, Andrew (Julia Sendor) Huggins, Ashley (Steele) Park, Jeff (Stacey) Summerlin, and Heath Summerlin. Great-grandchildren are Logan Wills, Evan Gleason, Noah Gleason, Abrey Park, Zoey Park, Rustic Summerlin, and Bentley Summerlin.

     Claude had five brothers and seven sisters. Preceding him in death were Mildred Harrelson, Robert Huggins, Hazel Hinson, Flora McGougan, Howard Huggins, Hubert Huggins, Clayton Huggins, Voncille Huggins, and Bright Huggins.

     Claude is survived by sisters Verna Blanton, Lottie Ann Jones, and Betty Grainger.

     He graduated from Green Sea High School in 1939, Mars Hill College in 1941, and Furman University in 1943. Claude served in the U.S. Air Force as a Tech Sergeant from 1943-1945, serving as a gunner based in southern Italy. He was awarded the Overseas and Victory Medals, the EAMET medal with three bronze stars, and the Purple Heart.

     Claude was a buyer and salesman with W.F. Cox Company of Tabor City from 1945 until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of the Tabor City Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow in honor of his Rotary contributions.

     Claude was actively involved in Tabor City Baptist Church, having served as deacon, Sunday school teacher with the junior and adult Departments, Sunday school secretary, and on the building and grounds committee. In 2005, Huggins was named Deacon Emeritus at Tabor City Baptist Church.

     Funeral services were planned for 2 p.m. Monday, July 2, in Tabor City Baptist Church, burial following in Green Sea Cemetery.

     Visitation was planned for the hour prior to the service in the church.

     Family respectfully request no food or flowers. Memorials may be made to Tabor City Baptist Church at 200 Live Oak Street, Tabor City, NC 28463.

     A guest register is available here.