Claude was a long time member of Malone Baptist Church. He was a graduate of the Alabama School of Trades, specializing in auto body repair. Throughout his life, he worked for companies such as Kelton Auto Body Repair, Bowman Transportation, C&S Oldsmobile garage, and Dwight Mills. He was an avid golfer and enthusiastic Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a Korean War veteran.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Earline Bell, as well as his parents, Bessie and Festus Bell, and siblings, Stella Mae, Verlon, JD, Albert, and Arthur. He is survived by his sons, Steve (Peggy) Bell and David Bell, one granddaughter, 4 great-granddaughters, 2 great-great-grandsons, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Scott Pitts, Kenneth Pitts, Donnie Hyatt, Jeremy Martin, Aaron Jordan, Burl Nance, and neighbor, Harold Collins
