The LORD dispatched HIS Angels on Thursday, November 2, 2023, Claude Eugene Slade entered eternal rest with the Lord. Claude was the middle son born on February 27, 1955, to the late Samuel P. Slade, Sr., and Maggie Nettles Slade. He was a native of York County and resident of the Cary's Chapel and Goosely Road Communities. Growing up, Claude was a member of Cary's Baptist Church, Yorktown and Ebenezer Baptist Church, Hampton. Prior to his demise, Claude was a faithful member at Shiloh Baptist Church, Yorktown, where his spirituality and relationship with GOD grew even stronger. He loved to read; his favorite book, the BIBLE, is how he led his life.

Claude, "Tin Man" and "Shorty" as he was affectionately known, was educated in the York County public school system. He attended James Weldon Johnson, prior to completing his education at York High School. He graduated, a "Falcon" in June 1973. He participated in business clubs and enjoyed playing and watching the game of baseball, fishing, and photography.
Thereafter, graduation he worked at Freddie's Body Shop for a few years. After trying his hand in the body repair automobile industry, he decided that he would leave Virginia and move on to the BIG APPLE, where the lights were bright! New York City is where he connected with family, friends, and his fondness of becoming an independent cab driver for over 20 years. It was also in NYC that he was working toward an associate degree in management.

His fond memorable moments were the love of families being united; attending Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, cook-outs, and family reunions! He loved to eat and enjoyed his soda pop! Claude loved people, enjoyed talking and never met a stranger.
Claude is predeceased in death by his Father and Mother, Samuel Phillip Slade, Sr., and Maggie Nettles Slade; his oldest brother, Samuel Phillip Slade, Jr.; youngest brother, Arnold Keith Slade; and "special uncle," Leroy Lindburg Nettles. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, nephew, Keith Allen Davis of Newport News; two devoted caretaker/cousins, Larry (Pamela) Slade and Tracey Slade of Yorktown; and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, November 9, 2023 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Friday, November 10, 2023 at Cary's Baptist Church, Yorktown. Burial will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.