Mr. Claude McClure

Mr. Claude Columbus McClure, 80, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on November 21, 1945, in Chester, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Claude and Lucille McClure.

After living in Chester, Claude spent his formative years living in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A true sports enthusiast, he especially cherished the game of golf, proudly recording two holes-in-one during his lifetime - one of which won him a car. Most Saturdays were reserved for cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks, and Sundays were faithfully spent rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. He was also a Life Master Bridge player, a testament to his sharp mind and love of strategy.

Claude graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in Engineering Science, where he was a founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity and member of Phi Beta Kappa. A co-op education opportunity with DuPont brought him to Seaford, Delaware, which became the start of a distinguished 32-year career in engineering and sales with the company.

He was active in his community, enjoying membership in the Jaycees and proudly supporting the Special Olympics. Claude was known for his intelligence, loyalty, and steady presence-qualities that endeared him to friends, colleagues, and family alike.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Taylor McClure; his daughter, Melissa McClure Smith (Tyson Smith); his son, Kyle Columbus McClure (Jenny McClure); his sister, Barbara Bennett (Marshall Bennett); and six grandchildren: Ashlyn and Brett McEwen, Colin & Sloan Kennedy, Claire & Kate McClure.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Richard (Dickie) McClure, and stepdaughter Robyn Lynn McEwen.

A service to celebrate Claude's life will be held on Saturday, January 31, at 2 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock.