Claude Sessoms Warren, Jr.

LITTLETON -- Claude S. Warren Jr., 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, surrounded by his family at his home after weeks of declining health.

Mr. Warren was born Nov. 14, 1920, in Warren County, to the late Nettie F. Reid Warren and Claude S. Warren Sr. He served in the United States Army as a staff sergeant from 1940-1945 in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with two bronze stars for his bravery and service during W.W.II. He returned home and married Sarah Brewer Warren on April 27, 1946, at Bear Swamp Baptist Church.

Mr. Warren was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle and brother. He was known as "Claude Jr." to family and friends, and "Pop" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved immensely. He retired in 1983 from J.P. Sevens and Company after 23 years of service as a lab technician. He devoted most of his time and efforts to his church, Bear Swamp Baptist in Littleton, where he was a deacon, as well as to the American Legion Horace Palmer Post 308. He served as the post's commander for three years, as well as vice commander and chaplain during his 20 years of service.

He will be forever remembered for his love of and dedicated service to God, his family and his country. He was a true gentleman with a caring heart and powerful work ethic. He touched many lives through his family as well as his community. His dazzling smile and witty humor will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of the home; five daughters and their families, Sandra Shearin and her husband, John, and Mary Shearin, all of Vaughan, Linda Rowland and her husband, Johnny Vern, of Darlington, Claudia Johnson and her husband, J.T., of Aylett, Va., and Dianne Isles and her husband, Bobby, of Littleton; 10 grandchildren, Johnny Shearin, David Shearin, Sharon Wood, Cari Oscanyan, Brian Johnson, Kaye Rowland Clemmons, Johnnie Rowland, Caroline Shearin Fleming, Kevin Shearin, Jennifer Lucas Thomas and Bryan Isles; 12 great-grandchildren, Victoria Shearin, Cassidy Shearin, Brewer Shearin, Randy Wood, Jessica Wood, Matthew Clemmons, Tyler Clemmons, Nathaniel Rowland, Maddux Fleming, Tyler Shearin, Zachary Johnson and Kelsey Johnson; his sister, Faye W. Gay of Clinton; and two brothers, H. Alton Warren of Fayetteville, and George W. Warren of Littleton.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 2, at Bear Swamp Baptist Church, with the Rev. Charles Wilson and the Rev. Winifred Porter officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery in Littleton.

Blaylock Funeral Home in Littleton is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m., today, May 1.

Flowers graciously accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

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