HIGH SHOALS, N.C. - Claude Crain, 90, of High Shoals passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Stanley Total Living Center in Stanley.

He was born December 18, 1933 in Rutherford County to the late Otis and Mary Moore Crain. Claude was a member of High Shoals Church of God and was a politician with the local government. He was a two-time elected Mayor of High Shoals, Commissioner of Gaston County, Master Mason, Shriner, Korean War veteran and Bishop with the Church of God.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Cecile Crain and daughters, Claudette Crain and Linda Woodard.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters Sandra Ramkissoon and husband Oz of High Shoals,         Debbie Woody and husband Eddie of Mt. Holly, Brittany Laye of  Cherryville; brother Gene Crain and wife Nancy of Clover, S.C.; grandchildren Ross and Caitlin Kinard, Chad  and Crystal Dellinger, Jody Dellinger, Courtney and Christopher Ocasio, Alysha Woody, Blair Woody, Ashley and  Jeff Davis, Lauren and  Luke Anderson, Christopher Ramkissoon, Paisleigh, Parker and Knolan Laye and Presley Bartish; great-grandchildren Brooks Kinard, Derek and Ashley Dellinger, Margo and Avery Ocasio, Knox and Penelope Anderson, Rylan and Lily Brooke Davis, Collin, Kinsley, Everly and Landon Dellinger and Sophia Woody.

 A service to celebrate Claude’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Evangelical Assembly of God in Gastonia. Bishop Gene Crain, Bishop Dan Hampton and Rev. Rufus Johnson will officiate. Burial with military honors by American Legion Post 544 will follow at High Shoals Cemetery, 106 State St, High Shoals. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-2:45 p.m. at Evangelical Assembly of God. Those serving as pallbearers are Chad Dellinger, Ross Kinard, Jeff Davis, Derek Dellinger, Christopher Ocasio, and Blair Woody.

Memorials may be made to Evangelical Assembly of God, ℅ Faith Forward Outreach Ministries, 625 Neal Hawkins Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056.

Condolences may be sent to the Crain family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Crain family.