Claude Merlin Chavis was born October 12, 1933 in Franklin, North Carolina to Charlie and Betty Chavis. He attended High School in Sylva, North Carolina and later went on to receive his Associates Degree from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. He was a member of New Testament Christian Church under Pastor Adam Bigelow.
He joined the United States Navy in January 1955 and retired after 21 years of honorable service in July 1976. He did his last tour of duty aboard the USS Forrestal Attack Squadron 112. He also worked for the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) as an Aviation Electrician and retired after 22 years of Civil Service. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his "knuckleheads" and traveling.
He was a role-model and a mentor to many. He coached little league baseball and was such the handyman. There wasn't anything that he couldn't build or fix. You could always find him working on a car, building a swing set for his grandchildren, or playing football and baseball with everyone in the neighborhood. He also loved to play tennis and tried to teach his children and grandchildren how to play. In spite of all the fun things he enjoyed, he stressed the significance of getting an education. He always encouraged them to achieve excellence.
Claude went home to be with the Lord on January 24, 2013.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 54 years, Sarah Chavis, daughters: Debra Chavis, Sharon Chavis-Elliot (Michael), Bonita Settles(Tony), sons: Claude Chavis Jr. (Denise), and Gerard Chavis (Harriett). His neighborhood sons: Rod, Daryl, Dewayne, Johnny and many more. Grandchildren: Precious Chavis, Chris Hunter(Tori), Claude Chavis III, Melissa Chavis, Toni Settles, Leondra Settles, Leonard Settles Jr., Derek Hunter, Nicholas Chavis, Gerard Chavis, Juwan Chavis, Jerel Chavis and a Host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The funeral service for Claude Merlin Chavis will be held 11AM, Friday at the First Chronicles Baptist Church 2559 West 30th Street. The visitation will be 5 - 7PM, Thursday at the mortuary. Interment, 11AM Monday in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 810 W. 44th Street, 765-1234