Claude Burrell

Canton, Claude Albert Burrell, 90, departed this world to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Memorial Mission Hospital.

A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late John Hugh and Mary Lucinda Sawyer Burrell; in addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by five brothers, Clarence, William, David, James, and Jack and three sisters, Darlene, Marie and Mary.

Claude was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and valiantly served during the Korean War.  After his service time, Claude attended and graduated from Blanton’s Business School.  He was hired by Champion International Paper and worked for 36 years until his retirement.  Claude was then hired to serve as Champion Paper’s tour guide providing an in-depth history of the mill and its many contributions to the town of Canton.  Claude was an active member at the First Baptist Church of Clyde.  He served as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher and sang in the church choir.  As a member of the Clyde Masonic Lodge 453 AF & AM, Claude achieved 32nd-degree Mason.  A man of integrity and selfless love for family, Claude always greeted a friend or stranger with a smile and kind words.  He will be sorely missed.

Claude is survived by the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Orpha Clark Burrell; daughter, Claudia Burrell (Demetrias Papaioannou) and son, Martin Burrell (Brenda).

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021, at Wells Funeral Home of Canton with Reverend Byron Burnette officiating.  Burial will follow at Morning Star Community Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Clyde at 227 Main St. Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mr. Burrell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home in Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com