‘Fly high, Claude. We love you!’ – Jason Freeman

TOP PHOTO: Claude Wilson, who would have turned 92-years- old in June, passed away last Thursday.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Claude Wilson, who was truly a man for all seasons; a war veteran, a family man and one of the all-time assets to his community, will be laid to rest later this morning.

“He was my mentor, friend, co-worker, grandfather figure and my first boss,” said Jason Freeman, owner of Martin-Wilson Funeral Home. “It’s just been so heartbreaking for all of us. However, I do have a lot of stories of Claude,” added Freeman.

Wilson was a fixture at Martin Funeral Home, and later Martin-Wilson Funeral Home, since 1962. In keeping with his dedication, he was at his usual post working a funeral on Tuesday night. He passed away early Thursday morning.

He had been a licensed funeral director for parts of seven decades and was the community’s dean of directors.

As a young man, Wilson was involved with youth sports. He was the president of La Follette Little League Baseball. During his tenure, La Follette won the 1965 Tennessee Little League Baseball All-Star Championship. “I remember signing up for Little League and seeing his name and thinking how prestigious that must be to be the president of the Little League,” said State Representative Dennis Powers. He was a member of the ’65 state champs.

Johnny Letner was one of the coaches of the ’65 state champs. “He was my neighbor, and we were good friends. I really liked Claude, said Letner. He was a good man.”

Wilson had a good sense of humor. “One of my favorite stories is when I was in the ICU at La Follette Hospital, and Claude came in to pick up a body, but he rolled the gurney next to my bed and said someone had called him to come and get me. I about fell out my bed,” said Powers.

Over the years, he would on occasion say, “When I kick-off, I will just kick-off or as Porky the Pig would say, “Th-th-th-that’s All Folks.” Headlining Wilson’s memorial card are the words “Th-th-th-that’s All Folks.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/18/2021-6AM)