Claude Allen Dance III

Claude Allen Dance, III passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, after a full and happy life. Though his passing was unexpected and way too soon, he was surrounded by Leealice and close friends at the time.

Born July 15, 1959, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Claude was always proud of his southern heritage. He attended Fair Park High School and LSU Shreveport before receiving his MBA from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. His subsequent career in Sales & Marketing started with Pfizer and advanced through various healthcare companies and venture capital firms in several states ending in Austin, TX.

More than anything else, Claude's life really began when he met the love of his life, Leealice. Married for 30 years, they raised 3 sons together who are, by far, the thing Claude was the most proud of. Hands down. He loved his family and the life they had together more than anything.

While his career may have stopped in 2016, he did not ever really retire. Since then, any day he might be found driving a tractor, building a deck, shopping for a deal, or figuring out the best way to fix something. He was the first one to lend a hand when anyone needed help or a favor and turns out he could repair most anything.

Claude never met a stranger; all who met him easily loved him, and certainly never forgot him. His keen sense of humor and quick wit made him the life of any party. His laugh was epic and well known. There was no situation he could not find the humor in, and no story he couldn't tell that didn't leave the listener laughing.

Claude worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed golfing with his sons and friends, and traveling with Leealice. He loved to host folks at their lake house where anyone going out on the boat with him driving better know how to hold on tight. (Safety sometimes had to take a back seat to an opportunity to have some fun.) He had a distinct sense of style. Some parties might be the occasion to wear a smoking jacket, while others might call for a wig. You never knew. He was an avid fan of college football, all things LSU and surprisingly knew every word to every song of The Sound of Music.

Claude was the real deal. A loving son. A loving husband. A loving father, brother and friend. He is much loved by so many people. He will be greatly missed.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Allen Dance Jr., and Jane Schroeder Dance and his brother Walter Harrison Dance. He is survived by his wife Leealice (Odum) Dance and sons Harrison A. Dance of Dallas, TX, Claude Alexander Dance of Dallas, TX, and Spencer L. Dance of Fayetteville, AR. He is also survived by his siblings Janet E. Dance of Freeport Beach, FL and Gwendolyn Stroud (Gary) of Austin, TX, and Daniel Dance (Christie) of Georgetown, TX, and his most loyal companion, Duke. He was also the fun uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday July 20th at 11am, Dripping Springs Methodist Church located at 28900 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.