It is with regret we announce the passing of Mr. Claude Alvin Mize, Jr., age 88, of Fayetteville, TN. Claude was born on November 6, 1934, in Matthews, MO to the late Claude Alvin Mize, Sr. and Clara Marie Deane. He was a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. Claude passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2023.
Survivors include his life companion of 33 years, Claudia Sandlin of Fayetteville, who he absolutely adored. They enjoyed so many things in life together such as family, church, friends, cruises, but most of all they completely enjoyed each other’s company. Claude is also survived by his daughter, Pennie Lyn (Tim) Hattey of Tabernash, CO; son, James Alvin (Marjorie) Mize of Poplar Bluff, MO; grandchildren, Melissa Ann Mize, Erin Nichole (Michael) Tierney, Stephanie Lauren (Camryn) Soria, and Jessica Marie (Aubrey) Witherington, IV; and great-grandchildren, Willa Mae Tierney, and Coast Calan Soria.
Claude had a long, successful career doing what he loved —flying. He spent the majority of his career as a corporate pilot and frequently expressed how blessed he was to have had that opportunity. He was a respected flight instructor for many years and loved to talk airplanes with anyone interested. Some friends and family even got to ride along as he performed acrobatic maneuvers in his plane.
Claude enjoyed joking and laughing with others and was quite the character at times. He was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.
The family will host a memorial service on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with Rev, Tommy Vann officiating. Visitation will begin at 2pm followed by a Memorial service at 3pm. His cremated remains will then be taken to Fayetteville Airport. Dinner to be provided afterwards at the First United Methodist Church. Claude has requested that in lieu of flowers, to please send donations to the First United Methodist Church Mission Trip Memorial fund.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Claude Alvin Mize, Jr.
Our condolences to the family. Our dad Joe Billy Mize always took us to all the family reunions so I’m sure we crossed paths back then at one of them. Our sister Claudia had the pleasure of flying with him a couple times so I’m sure she’ll have good memories to share. God Bless you all.
Claudia I am so sorry for your loss. I reflect back to the days at CFW with fond memories of you as well as Claude. We flew with him several times and thought very highly of him. Just a few months ago I was able to talk with him a few minutes at McDonald’s where he was visiting with other friends. My pleasure, and privilege to renew old memories. God bless you and bring about Hi
s peace.
We feel as if we have lost a life-long friend. Claude and Claudia were almost the first people to make us feel welcome at FUMC Fayetteville.
His sense of humor was wonderful and he was a True Character in our world. We will miss him greatly but feel so blessed to have known him.
Blessings to his family.
I sure will miss my ole car driving pal,
A truly humble friend. We will miss you.
So sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of Claude that bring me back to my childhood and my friendship with his daughter, Pennie. I was always welcome to go with Pennie and her dad. We took plane rides, went to the movies and out to eat and enjoyed fishing that resulted in the worst sunburn I’ve ever had in my life! I have a special memory of his El Camino because he would give Pennie the keys and we would go riding around the neighborhood. Did I mention we were only in Jr. High at the time! He was always fun and I will remember the kindness he showed me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Claudia, we are so sorry for your loss.