March 12, 2015 7:17 p.m.
Editor’s Note: Claude Haddock was one of Fernandina’s finest; always smiling, always singing, always helpful. Those of us old timers knew Claude as the face of the historic post office, the only post office in Fernandina at that time. “What can I do for you young lady?”, was the greeting I recall.
Those of us who have walked through the halls of Quality Health with Claude will agree it was an experience. He would read the name plates placed outside of each room and begin to tell a life story. He knew everyone! Fernandina mourns his passing. He has given us so much. Thank you Claude for a life well lived.
Claude Colson Haddock
October 31, 1925 – March 6, 2015
Claude Colson Haddock of Fernandina Beach went to be with the Lord March 6, 2015. Born October 31, 1925 to John Bartow Haddock and Sarah Jane Braddock, he lived his entire life in Fernandina, with the exception of his WWII duty in the Philippines, where his ship was sunk. After returning stateside he was stationed in Whidby Island, Washington until his discharge May 10, 1946. On his return to Fernandina, Claude was employed by the U.S. Postal Service where he worked until his retirement in 1980. In retirement, he was an avid golfer with three holes-in-one to his credit, and an avid Gator football fan. He could recall all the stats, players and other information from all the college teams and the pro golf tournaments. One of his personal highlights was attending a Masters Golf Tournament.
Claude’s other passion in life was singing. Over the years he sang for more than 100 weddings, and became known as “Fernandina’s Perry Como.” Claude sang in two barbershop quartets, “The Nassau Sounds” and “The Gladtones”, the “Haddock Family Quartet”, 18 years as a charter member of the Amelia Island Chorale. Claude was the featured soloist in a joint program with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the Amelia Island Chorale where he sang “O Holy Night”. He also sang in the choir at First Baptist Church, Fernandina, where he was a member for 60 years, and then went on to help form a new mission church, now known as Amelia Baptist Church, becoming heavily involved in its music ministry and where he was an active member.
He was preceded in death by his parents and former wife Libba Gordon. He is survived by his wife Kathryn Diane, sisters Floy Lang, Melba Shiver, brother Edgar (Donna) Haddock, brother-in-law, Bill Lester (Sara), sister-in-law Janel (Jerry) Croy, mother-in-law Jeanette Lester; children Greg (Cindie) Haddock, Mark (Trish) Haddock, Claudia Haddock, step-daughter Cheryl (Stefan) Erdmann; grandchildren Shawn Haddock, Kevin (Kelly) Haddock, Trey (Kathy) Haddock, Meredith (Brian) Lane, Morgan and Mitch Christian, Meghann Koch, Tommy (Sarah)Heth, Brittany (Matt) McFalls, Channelle Heth; great-grandchildren Cole and Carson Harris, Emma Grace Lane, Carson and Callie May Koch, Aurora Gerard, Carina Heth, Kyler Hawley, Kaitlyn Taylor, Annessa and Corbin McFalls; many cousins, nieces and nephews and former wife Lola Bunker Schaus.
Visitation will be held Saturday March 14, 2015 at Oxley Heard Funeral Home from 5-7pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 PM, at First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, with Dr. H. Neil Helton, pastor of Amelia Baptist Church, officiating. A private burial will be held in Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Community memorials may be made to the music ministry of Amelia Baptist Church or to the Warner Center for Caring, c/o Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
He was the first person my family met in Aug of ’67 when we moved here. He has been a cherished friend ever since.
Wonderful man
I knew Claude for only a few years at Amelia Baptist Church. But there is simply no doubt in my mind that God used Claude’s smile, encouraging nature, and singing voice to bring His peace and joy into any gathering or conversation.