Claude Herbert Chitwood

Claude Herbert Chitwood, 80 of Rocky Mount, known to many as Papa, went peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 7, 2017. He is now with the Lord and enjoying a great family reunion. Papa was one of the best men that people could have ever met.  I don't think anyone ever spoke to him without a smile being on his face and in return them walking away from the exchange with one on theirs. He loved the Ferrum Panthers baseball program, Washington Redskins, Virginia Cavaliers and making people laugh. He was a retired member of the Va Army National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Roy Chitwood and Mary Helen Hall; brothers, Sock, Clifton and Walter; sisters, Mary Ella Dowdy, Ema Jane Shelton. He is survived by his loving wife Ella Sue Chitwood of 57 years who was his complete joy; son, Claude Owen Chitwood (Angie); grandson Anthony Brandon Chitwood (Melia); three great grandchildren (Reid, Sawyer & Elsie Chitwood); three brothers Bobby Chitwood (Ella), Donnie Chitwood (Mary), Frankie Chitwood (Diane); one sister Susie Cross (Jimmy); one sister in law Minnie Chitwood; many other special family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Homes for our Troops in Claude’s memory. A memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday July 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Flora Funeral Chapel with Pastor Eddie Hawks officiating. His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 9 at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount and other times at his sister Susie Cross 280 Greenhouse Road, Glade Hill, Va.