Claude Ireland

IRELAND HAMPTONVILLE Claude Edward Ireland Jan 3, 1919 -April 15, 2011 Claude Edward Ireland, 92, passed away Friday April 15, 2011 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Ireland was born in Yadkin County January 3, 1919 to the late Charlie Wilson & Jettie Pearl Allen Ireland. Mr. Ireland was a lifelong member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. He was a life time Tobacco Farmer who practiced wise stewardship of his land. Mr. Ireland served with the United States Army from January 21, 1941 to January 7, 1946 during World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Stella Mae Brown Ireland, a sister Eva Marie Ireland Greenwood, a brother John Wilson Ireland. Surviving are his children Jerry Franklin Ireland and wife Emily Johnston Ireland, Helen Jeanette Ireland Hopkins and husband Johnie Hopkins, Hazel Mae Ireland Somers and husband Kent Somers, Ralph Edward Ireland and wife Cynthia Templeton Ireland; grandchildren Nathaniel Ireland, David Hopkins, Daniel Hopkins, Christopher Somers, Adam Somers, Amy Blizard, Lesley Ireland, Monica Mickle and Andrew Ireland; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters Iva Gough and Annie Pearl Groce and husband Delmar Groce; three brothers Ray Allen Ireland, George Franklin Ireland and wife Elon Ireland, Charles Gray Ireland and wife Jo Ireland. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Sunday April 17, 2011 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His funeral will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday April 18, 2011 at Flat Rock Baptist Church by Dr. Joey Tomlin and Rev. Bill Thompson. Mr. Ireland will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery with full Military Honors by the VFW Post 10346. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Ireland family.