Claude Eugene Fly

July 5, 1942 - January 17, 2014

Mr. Claude Eugene Fly, age 71, a long-time resident of the Sawdust Community, passed away on Friday morning, January 17, at his home in Columbia. Born in Maury County on July 5, 1942, he was the son of the late Jasper Eugene Fly and Mary Ruth Fite Fly of Sawdust.

Survivors include his sons: Randall Eugene Fly of Cookeville, Patrick Andrew Kaiser of Dallas, Nathaniel Franklin Fly and daughter: Sarah Katherine Fly, both of Columbia; his long-time loving companion, Susan B. Mayfield of Columbia; his grandchildren: Brandi Fly Johnson and Casey Fly Scott; great-grandchildren: Gavin Johnson, Carter Johnson, Chasity Fly, Addison Walker, Bryson Walker, Dakoda Walker and Allison Fly; brothers: Frank Morriss Fly, John Mark Fly, and Joe Lawrence Fly. Mr. Fly was preceded in his death by his wife: Katherine Ann Burns Fly; grandson: Patrick Fly; and infant sister: Pattie Ruth Fly.

After attending Woodrow School in Arkland, Mr. Fly graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1960, Austin Peay State University, BS 1964, and Purdue University, MS 1968. Claude enjoyed industrial arts and playing baseball in school and his passion - hot rodding. Claude started work in machine shops and went on to a life-long career as an industrial engineer at Converse USA, NC, followed by GE and his dream car job at Saturn. Claude’s love of cars started with a red 56 Ford convertible, numerous Corvettes and Thunderbirds. Claude enjoyed farming and raising cattle in Sawdust and fishing and boating at his camp on the Tennessee River. As an educator, Claude taught industrial arts at CHS and Robertson Technical Institute in NC. While he was pursuing his education and career endeavors, he decided to add four beautiful children to the mix. He always stressed the importance of hard work and a good education as being the key ingredients to success and independence in life.

Visitation will be 10:00 am- 12:00 noon, Saturday, January 25 at the Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church at 2700 Brown Hollow Rd. just off Highway 50 West. A memorial service to celebrate Claude’s life will begin at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following of your choice: Mt. Nebo Cemetery Fund, c/o Melissa Greer, 1920 Ivy Court, Columbia, TN 38401, Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, 295 Plus Park Boulevard, Suite 201, Nashville, TN, 37217, or the American Cancer Society, 2000 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home. You may share condolences with the family at the top of this page.