Rev. Claude Arthur Chavis, 73, transitioned on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at his home. Claude was born on May 29th, 1952, in Siler City, NC.
Claude received his education from Guilford County Schools. He joined the Marine Corps in 1971 where he served for two years. Claude retired from the City of Winston-Salem where he worked for 28 years. He also retired from Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools where he worked for 9 years.
Claude was a former member of Middle Fork Christian Church where he did his first initial sermon under Rev. William Elder. He was ordained July 25, 2003 with the Piedmont District Convention, and served as an associate minister until his health started to decline around 2017. He joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church on September 24, 2023. Though he could not join in-person services due to his health, he faithfully watched on Facebook Live every Sunday.
Claude loved driving the school bus and was the family chauffeur on vacations. He loved watching football and was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He also loved to grill and invite his family and friends over. Lastly, he loved watching his grandson play football throughout the years.
Claude leaves to cherish his memories of his wife for 43 years, Janice Chavis, his daughter Tiffany Chavis, two sons: Claude Chavis Jr., and Eric Chavis, one grandson, Jalin Chavis, two sisters: Velma Chavis and Particia Morgan-el, one brother, Christopher Chavis, mother in-law, Shirley Sanders, two sister in-laws: Veronica Timmons and Carla (Andrew) White, and host of many nieces, nephews, and close friends and family.
Claude was preceded by his parents, Annie Ruth Williams (mother) and Edward Lee Chavis (father), his brothers: James Chavis, Jimmy Chavis, and Robert Chavis Sr., his sisters: Nancy Isley, Linda Butler, Sheila Chavis Earle, and his son Terrell Chavis.
Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by the love, laughter, and so many unforgettable memories that each of us have shared with him. Claude had a quiet testimony of his faith, kindness, and full of love. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten in our hearts. Most importantly of all, he loved the Lord with all his heart and trusted in His word.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm Thursday February 12, 2026 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12pm-12:30pm Thursday at the church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.  His remains may be viewed Wednesday February 11, 2026 from 12pm-5pm at the funeral home.