Claude Verbal Sr.

1942 - 2022

Claude Verbal Sr.
November 12, 1942 - February 2, 2022
Fountain Hills, Arizona - Claude Verbal Sr. (age 79) passed away peacefully at his home in Fountain Hills, AZ on February 2nd, 2022, surrounded by his family. Claude was born in North Carolina, the son of the late Sidney and Gladys Verbal. He received a Mechanical Engineering Degree from North Carolina State University (in Raleigh NC) and later attended Wayne State and the University of Michigan for graduate studies. Claude spent much of his corporate career with General Motors where he retired as an Executive.
In 1996, Claude became the 1st African American President elect of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International. In that capacity he traveled extensively around the world representing the organization in 24-countries and throughout North America. He ended his professional work career as Chief Operating Officer with Wesley International Industries.
Claude was a proud lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and volunteering was an important part of his life. He served as a member of many boards including: the Flint Institute of Music; the Flint Community Development Foundation; Hurley Medical Center; Bishop International Airport and he was appointed (by the Governor) to the Michigan Technological University Board. He also served with many civic and philanthropic organizations including: the Inner-City Lions Club; the Conference of United Methodist Men (Detroit – Past President); President of the Men's Club (Fountain Hills); and Friends of the Fountain Hills Library.
Claude leaves to cherish his memories: loving wife of 50-years Dorothy, sons Randall Talifarro/Verbal, Claude Verbal II, Dru Verbal and daughter Andrea (Randall) Carson. He also leaves sisters Dorothy Artis, Betty Verbal, Anne Bryant; Brother Mark Verbal; 9-grandchildren (Ramone, Roland, Brandon, Terrance, Lamont, Rachel, Leah, Nyles and Trinity), 6-great grandchildren (Danielle, Ramona, Nehemiah, Nadae, Josiah, and Zoey), and many nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by his oldest son Robin (Felicia) and grandson Dante, 2-brothers Sidney and John and 1-sister Pauline.
His family would like to thank his many friends and neighbors for their support along with the Virginia Piper Cancer Center and Hospice of the Valley for their care. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Virginia Piper Cancer Center or Hospice of the Valley (Scottsdale AZ).
Due to Covid considerations, a brief Zoom Memorial presentation and conversation will take place on Saturday February 19th, 2022, 1PM AZ Time (11 AM EST) to celebrate and commemorate the life of Claude Verbal Sr. A more formal private tribute, for family and close friends, will be planned at a later date.
The following is provided for the Zoom Memorial:
Topic: In Memory of Claude Verbal
Time: Feb 19, 2022 01:00 PM AZ Time, 11AM EST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9336828315
Meeting ID: 933 682 8315