Millard Claudius Hendricks

Millard Claudius “Claude” Hendricks

TARVERSVILLE, GA - Millard Claudius “Claude” Hendricks died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 17th at his home. Claude was 72 years old and was a loving brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Claude was born on December 26th, 1950 in Macon, Georgia and was raised by his parents, the late Millard and Betty Hendricks, in Tarversville alongside his sisters, Mary Elizabeth and Jeanie Barry. Claude’s childhood was spent in the company of family, both the Hendricks family and the Fitzpatrick family of Twiggs County, Georgia.

Claude appreciated history and was a Civil War buff. He served in the Georgia National Guard before moving back to Tarversville where he founded the Westlake One trucking company, which he operated out of the Hendricks family home in an office overlooking the land he’d grown up on. Honesty was always Claude’s policy and he led with this policy in all interactions including his business.

Claude’s inherent honesty led him to say what he thought and gave him a clear way of seeing people. He knew when someone needed a helping hand, a kind word, or when a lost soul needed to be found. He had a complex sense of humor, a skill for listening well, and a creative side. He was a guitar player, a lover of classic rock and country music, and a song writer. A song Claude wrote called The Auction was performed by the actor John Schneider at Farm Aid II in 1986.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Millard William Hendricks and Mary Elizabeth Hendricks (Duross), and by his great-nephew, William “Will” Stellan Maniatis. He will be missed by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Elizabeth and Desmond Wilson and Jeanie and Robert Schultz, his nephews Desmond (Meredith) Wilson and Andrew (Christin) Schultz, nieces Elizabeth (Dale) Fowler, Jeanie (Tim) Waner, Claudia Maniatis, and Jennifer Riemenschneider, his great nephews and nieces, and his treasured friends.

A memorial for Claude will be held on April 20th. Details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the WillStrong Cancer Foundation, a non-profit cancer foundation in memory of his great-nephew, Will. Claude’s wish for less pain in the world aligns with the mission of WillStrong to keep hope alive by raising funds to cure pediatric cancer.

Donations can be made in Claude’s honor by visiting www.willstrongcancerfoundation.org or by check to WillStrong, PO Box 630828, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163.

Visit www.reecefuneralhomeinc.com to express tributes.

Reece Funeral Home in Jeffersonville has charge of arrangements.