Claude Roper, 90, of Valdese, NC passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Born in Burke County, NC on April 16, 1936, he was the son of the late John Roper and Hattie McDaniels Roper.
Claude was a faithful member of Mt. Home Baptist Church. Known as “Cow Chain” he was a retired truck driver of over 40 years and had driven over 5 million miles without an accident. When not working, he enjoyed cutting wood and being in the yard and had been voted “best yard in the neighborhood.” After a day of mowing, you could find him in the basement, watching a Braves game eating an oatmeal cake. Claude was the most caring person in the world, as he would do anything for anyone and never met a stranger. He was known to some as “Dr. Roper.” A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, he will always be remembered for his love of his family and especially his wife, with whom he always held hands with.
Those left to cherish his memory include daughters, Renee Harwood and Roxanne Webb (Bobby); grandchildren, Kenny Harwood, Kevin Harwood (Katie), Zachary Pritchard (Chelsey) and Drew Hunt; great-grandchildren, Candice Harwood (Devin), Chasady Harwood (Ethan), Teagan Pritchard, and Pacen Pritchard; great-great-grandson, Abshur Hall; and brother, Richard Roper (Nancy).
In addition to his parents, Claude is preceded in death by his wife, Verlie Roper; granddaughters, Christy Harwood and Alyssa Hunt; and six siblings.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Mt. Home Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the church with Revs. Rocky Hartman and Lanny Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Roxanne and Renee, I’m so very sorry to here of Daddy Claude’s passing..Please accept my deepest condolences..Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers. With Love Meri Owenby
Cow Chain was one of a kind. I was just a rookie when Claude and I drove for Dixie Container. He , Mr Clean and my dad helped brake me in. Claude always had a smile on his face , never saw him mad. My condolences to the family. I know he will be truly missed on this earth but not in Heaven.
My sincere condolences to the family. Claude was one very special kind and loving man. I feel honored to have known him and blessed with his stories of his past. The last year of his life was spent searching for the love of his life...I'm sure he has found her! Together forever for all eternity! He will be missed and always loved!
To the roper family sorry for your loss you're in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time Nancy and Richard I'm especially thinking of you you can take comfort in knowing that he's in heaven with Uncle red and the rest of the families take care you've got some great memories of him so cherish all those memories
May God give you the comfort you need. Prayers going up
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS I HEAR OF THE LOSS OF BROTHER CLAUDE : PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY: YOU WILL BE MISSED BROTHER!!!!
"Mr. Roper" as I called him with respect, showed Tony and I such warmth and kindness when we first joined Mt. Home Baptist Church. He was our first connection and he remained a dear friend. He loved Jesus first and foremost, then his dear wife, Verlie and family. He was truly a Godly Southern Gentleman who will be missed.
We are sorry for loss , Claude was a friend indeed, so we are not going to say goodbye but we will see you in heaven . God bless you all Herb & Toni Dills
Love you always.😥😥😥🙏🙏🙏
My heart aches but also celebrates my Uncle Claude passing. He is reunited with his dear wife Verlie, mother, father,sisters & brothers. Many other family members. I will never forget our summers spent down home. Renee, Roxanne you know how your dad was loved by so many &;you should take comfort in that. Miss you Uncle & kiss my mom & dad for me. Rest in Eternal Peace. Your loving niece, Sharon, Brenda, nephews Mike & Steve.