Claude Milton Gouge, 83, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015 at his home. He was the son of the late Hobert and Maude Phillips Gouge. He was a US Army veteran receiving the Bronze Star. He also retired from Bassett Walker Inc., where he was the packing and shipping supervisior.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Sue Staton Gouge of the home; daughters: Janet Gouge Johns and husband Jeffrey Garratt of Morganton, NC, Sandra Gouge Ayers of Bakersville and Carol Gouge Boston of Spruce Pine; grandchildren: Colby Boston and wife Emily, Shane Boston and Kevin Hall; great grandchild, Ryan Boston. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters: Willie Faye Davis and Georgia Caroline Gordon.

Funeral Service will be 3:00 pm Thursday, October 15, 2015 in the Cub Creek Baptist Church of which he was a member and served as a deacon, trustee and church treasurer. Pastor Doug Willis and Rev. Larry Greene will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Malone Gouge Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Sgt. E.L. Randolph. Chapter 57 D.A.V. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge , 236 Hospital Drive , Spruce Pine , NC 28777 .