Mr. Claude L. Scalf, 86, of Gray, passed away Sunday morning, February 11, 2024 at Baptist Health Corbin. He was the son of the late Estil and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Lawson Scalf born on December 29, 1937 in Heidrick.
Claude was a former employee of White Star Trucking, Boggs Construction, Thornsberry Coal, G & M Oil and Scalf Landfill and a member of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. He enjoyed telling stories of his trucking days and always had a story to tell. He loved talking to other truckers on his CB and most knew him by his handle, “Wild Man”. He also loved riding the four-wheeler and picking poke. Claude was an impactful foster parent and those he fostered would still visit him long after they left his care. Though he enjoyed many things in life, he was always happiest when he was spending time with his family.
On January 21, 1956, he united in marriage with Opal Jean Jackson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Cody Ray Mills; a son-in-law, Rev. Gary Wayne Peavley and a beloved uncle, Gary Wayne Scalf.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Opal Jean Scalf of Gray; children, Barbara Peavley of Gray, Vickie Saunders and husband, Ken, of Heidrick, Dwayne Scalf and wife, Annette, and Claudia Santo-Cruz and husband, Ricardo, all of Gray; treasured grandchildren, Sandy Swafford, Jaime Floyd, Jessica Carnes, Tamara Horn, Dwayne Garland, Shelley Mills, Kenny Saunders, Teddie Scalf, Justin Scalf, Catrina Gillam, Dustin Mills and Daniel Santo-Cruz; great grandchildren, Joshua, Caleb and Kylee Swafford, Tyler and Isaac Floyd, Riley, Makinlee and Kashton Carnes, Blakely and Asher Horn, Carlissa Garland-Dillard, Billy and Tyler Mills, Scarlett and Stockton Saunders, Khloe, Kamden, Savannah and Shaylee Scalf, Raelynn, Ryker and Rowan Gillam and Parker and Henderson Mills; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, February 18 at 1 P.M. with Rev. James Bargo and Rev. Garrett Garland officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Scalf Family Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Teddie Scalf, Justin Scalf, Dustin Mills, Daniel Santo-Cruz, Tyler Floyd, Isaac Floyd, Joshua Swafford, Caleb Swafford, Billy Mills and Tyler Mills. Honorary bearers will be the employees of G & M Oil Co., his truck driving friends, nurse practitioner, Brian Abner and the staff of Barbourville Family Health, Luther Tom Hammons and Union 76, Teddy Patterson, Sam Swafford, Jimmy Mays and David Lundy.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Sunday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of a CLAUDE L. SCALF.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
