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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To my cousins and everyone that loved my Uncle Claude my thoughts and my prayers go for your strength in this sad time of separation and I have faith you will be ok until we all see Jesus 🙏❤️
I will always be grateful for the fatherly love Daddy Roper gave me. I’ll never forget the heartfelt prayers we shared, the countless laughs, giggles, and long talks we enjoyed. Even on his worst days, he was always smiling. He was the sweetest man on earth and will be deeply missed.
Mr Claude will always be remembered by Ken and myself as one of the first people to welcome us to Mount Home Baptist Church. He and Miss Verlie would go out of their way to speak to visitors or new members. Ken and I loved watching them walk ahead, always holding hands. Although it's sad not to be able to see them right now, I know that one day we'll all be together once again. To the Roper/Hunt family my condolences. Sending love abd prayers during this difficult time. Love, Ken and Lynn Anderson
We have been neighbors for 20 years and we couldn’t ask for better neighbors. When my husband had to go stay with his mother 4 days a week, Mr. Claude was always there to help me when I needed it. There were times I didn’t even ask, he just knew I needed help and there he was. No one will ever take his place in our hearts and this neighborhood, as I know he helped so many other neighbors. God Bless and be with his family as they deal with his loss. But as any one that knew Claude, knew all he wanted was to go to Heaven and be with his beautiful beloved wife. They will never be separated again. Love and miss you my dear friend