Claude Graden

Claude Graden was born March 7, 1926 in Laurens County, Ware Shoals, SC to the late Sallie Hill Graden and Birkett Graden. He attended Oak Grove School and Emma Maddox School Adult Education program. He was 94 years old (34,500) days old.

He was a faithful member of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, Laurens County, Honea Path, SC where he served as a Deacon for 47 years and he attended Mt. Athens FBH Church since boyhood.

Claude was a farmer and a retired textile machine mechanic at Reigel Textile Corporation, Ware Shoals, SC. He was known for his amazingly tasty sweet potatoes and being a great conversationalist. He was the last surviving man who helped build the Ware Shoals Golf Course which opened in 1944.

Claude is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Lucille Graden Hicks Hunt, Alma Graden Fowler, Houston Graydon, Willard Grayden and Eugenia Grayden.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Gracie A. Arnold Graden; daughter, Linda (Abraham) Murray, Simpsonville, SC, son, Foster Graden, Ware Shoals, SC; granddaughter, Latorsha M. Murray, Irmo, SC, grandson, Elliott A. Graden Posley, Charlotte, NC; sister, Tecora Graden Owens, Piedmont, SC and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great- great nieces and nephews, great-great- great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 1:00 PM at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, off Hwy. 76, Honea Path, SC.

Memorial donations may be made to New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund C/O Mrs. Margaret Hodges, Church Treasurer, 13 Mayflower Ave. Greenville, SC 29605.

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