Claude Matthews Redd Jr.

Born on February 15, 1924, in Memphis, Tennessee to Claude Matthews Redd, Sr. and Mary Belle Crossett Redd.
Preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Marie Brown Redd, sister Frances Wetherholt, Wife Dolores Cathrine Pecaro Redd, and son-in-law Howell Pope.
He was a longtime resident of South Florida (Miami-Dade County), part time resident of Hawaii, longtime summer resident of Morganton (Fannin County, Georgia) moving fulltime to Central Florida (Webster, Sumter County) after retiring. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed water sports, (prolific Slalom skier), swimming, inner tubing on Toccoa River in North Georgia, softball, and bowling (achieving many perfect games). Due to his active lifestyle, he maintained good health throughout his lifetime and lived to be 101 years old.
Survivors include longtime companion, Christine Tabisola, daughters Charlene Marie Pope, Teresa Lynn Redd, daughter and son-in-law Carol Ann and Larry Davenport. Granddaughter and husband DeDe and Tim Dunn, Granddaughter and husband Kerri and Ed Clardy, Grandson and significant other Brandon Linder and Amanda Eavenson, Granddaughter Cathrine Linder, Grandson and wife Devon and Amer Linder. Great granddaughter and husband Ashley and Colton White, Great granddaughter and husband Jessica and Rick Gilmer, Great granddaughter and significant other Kirsten Clardy and Brandon Brooks. Great granddaughters Jacy Linder, Alyson Linder and Kaitlyn Linder. Great grandson and wife Aaron and Abby Dunn, Great grandsons Christian Linder, Riley Linder, Calvin Linder, and Kane Eavenson. Great great granddaughters Hadlee White, Madilyn Brooks, and Morgan Brooks. Great great grandson Easton White. Niece and husband Peggy and Jack Voorhees, Grandnephew Carson Voorhees, Grandniece and husband Jennifer and Scott Nelson. Great grandnieces Kate and Leah Nelson. Also, many nieces and nephews from his late wife's family.
On the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Redd entered the Navy at age 17 while a senior in high school, after his parents reluctantly signed a waiver for his age. He was then placed into active-duty February of 1942. He then enlisted in the Air Force. As a crew chief (Senior Master Sergeant) he went on numerous covert operations including the Dynasoar project which was the prototype for the Space Shuttle. He was stationed at numerous bases, including Opa-locka, Florida (where his daughter Charlene was born), Newfoundland, Canada (where daughter Teresa was born), Greenville, Mississippi (where daughter Carol was born). Finally settled at Homestead Air Force Base in South Florida in 1957. After being discharged from the Air Force, he entered employment with the City of Miami, driving a dump truck for the Water Department, later becoming a meter reader.After that department was taken over by Miami-Dade County, he was employed as a housing inspector for HUD.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent by check to: (please make the check out to the National Park Service) Attn: Superintendent Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor National Memorial 1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, HI 96818