Rev Claude Walton McBride

1932 - 2013

Rev Claude Walton McBride obituary, 1932-2013

BORN

1932

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

3195 Atlanta Highway

Athens, Georgia

Claude McBride Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 24, 2013.

The Rev. Claude McBride, a prominent member of the Athens community for more than half a century, passed away at his home in Athens Friday, August 23, 2013. He was 81.
Survivors include his wife, Gayle Gordy McBride, Athens; son, Walt (Claude Jr.) and wife Lori, Gainesville; a daughter Wynter, Athens; and five grandchildren: Harrison, Claudia and Abigayle, Athens; and Susannah and Gracie, Gainesville.
McBride was born May 11, 1932 in Columbus to Walter and Ivy McBride.
Interment will be at New Hope Baptist Church in Louvale, GA, where Rev. McBride had his first pastorate. It is also the hometown of his wife, Gayle.
A memorial service is planned for Sept. 22 at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, where he was Pastor Emeritus.
Although best known as pastor of Milledge Avenue Baptist Church for 20 years, and as chaplain of the Georgia football team, McBride was truly a "man for all seasons."
He began his career as a journalist, with the Columbus Ledger, in the city where he was born and grew up. During his years as a reporter he was one of four Ledger staff members covering the neighboring town of Phenix City, AL, where in 1954 the Alabama National Guard took over the town for nearly two years as corrupt officials were arrested and tried.
McBride was the youngest member of the four-man team whose reporting on Phenix City helped The Ledger win the 1955 Pulitzer Prize for Community Service. The Ledger is still the only Georgia newspaper to earn that most coveted Pulitzer.
The celebration dinner was especially memorable for McBride, whose date was Gayle Gordy, an Auburn student who later became his wife.
While working for the newspaper, McBride also pastored a small church in nearby Stewart County.
He received a bachelor of divinity and master of theology degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and held pastorates in Henderson, KY, Jacksonville Beach, FL and Calhoun, GA before arriving in Athens in 1964 to take over Milledge Avenue Baptist Church.
In his student days, he had been a member of the Redcoat Marching Band, and Men's Glee Club and a varsity cheerleader for three years.
Returning to Athens and his alma mater in 1964, he began a special outreach to student athletes and was soon asked to be the advisor to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. That role attracted the attention of football coach Vince Dooley who asked McBride to become the chaplain for the Georgia football team.
"Chaplain McBride has many functions," Dooley told a reporter. "They are not narrowly defined. We just play it by ear, and he uses his own imagination, which is quite creative. I don't know of any school which involves a chaplain to the extent Georgia does."
McBride held that unofficial job for 40 years, and counseled some of the greatest Bulldog players, including Herschel Walker and other members of the 1980 National Championship team. He officiated at the marriage ceremonies for many players and a large number of players attended Milledge Avenue Baptist.
His association with the university expanded in 1983 when he was asked to become associate director of Alumni Relations, which involved leading alumni tours throughout the world. He retired from his pastorate after 20 years, "but not from the ministry," he said.
McBride was also a prolific speaker and entertainer, appearing at hundreds of events as his alter ego "Happy Calhoun," from Possum Gap. Dressed in tattered overalls with a smile exposing sporadic dental work, "Happy" related humorous stories, and usually left audiences laughing and inspired.
Among his many affiliations, Rev. McBride was proud to be a member of the Athens Kiwanis Club, The Touchdown Club of Athens, Gridiron, Sphinx and Blue Key.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Milledge Avenue Baptist Church Foundation, UGA Baptist Student Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, the UGA Foundation, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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September 22, 2013

Edwin Blanchard

No two people meant as much to me while I was in Pharmacy School at the University of Georgia as Gayle and Claude McBride. Their home was always open to everyone, and I stayed with them several times until my room at a dorm was ready, etc. Their home was simply "my home away from home", Augusta, GA. I feel that I almost helped raise their two precious children. Gayle was so instrumental in helping our daughter be a Resident Assistant in McWhorter Hall, which sadly, is no more. I have known Claude since the 1950's as he was in college with my brother, and he visited our home several times. Claude could always make anyone feel better. Gayle, Connie and I share the void that you must feel just now, but our prayer is that our Lord will soon fill that void with wonderful memories.
Connie and Edwin Blanchard

September 21, 2013

William (Bill) Scarbrough

Dear McBride Family: Just a note to offer my sympathy upon Claude's death. When I serve as a minister at First Baptist Church, Jefferson, I got to know Claude and really appreciated his friendship. When I moved to Atlanta, our friendship continued and he spoke at my church on several occasions. I am very saddened at his passing, but most appreciative for his life and ministry. You are in our prayers.

Sincerely,

William F. Scarbrough

September 18, 2013

kathryn channell

Rev McBride led revival at Greensboro FBC in the mid 1970's. those nights that he preached, the church was filled with the Glory of God through the Holy Spirit. I attended Expo '72 and encountered Rev McBride at one of the seminars. He was such a gracious, funny, humble man of God. I am thankful for his good work as a faithful servant of God. We will see him again.

September 10, 2013

jb rodriguez

"He [God] has set a day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected him from the dead." Acts 17:31

September 8, 2013

Lynn Nicholson Kinley

My thoughts and prayers go out to the McBride family. I have such great memories of Rev. McBride. I remember his smile and hearty laugh. Mrs. McBride was one of my favorite teachers: Earth Science, 8th grade at Clarke Junior High. May you find comfort in the number of lives that your family has positively impacted. God bless.

September 8, 2013

Cindy & Kent Kurtz

What can I say about the preacher that I grew up with, the family that I have known as long as I can remember? Mr. McBride married Kent and me. When I think of a church home, I think of Milledge Avenue Baptist and Mr. McBride.
We are so sad that he is gone but happy that he is with Christ.
I hope that Gayle and Walt and Wynn are buoyed by knowing that he was so loved.

September 2, 2013

Elizabeth Wells

My dear Gayle, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You and Claude have touched so many lives with your love, humor, care and smiles, Were he here, I know my dad would join me in sending you love, light and many blessings. Elizabeth Wells

September 1, 2013

Tommy White

My God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Claude will be missed on earth as he brings a ray of sunlight to heaven.

September 1, 2013

Gregory Jerkins

I know his wife Miss Gail better than Rev Claude. She taught me 7th grade earth science. And she was a favorite of mine. I always knew how much she loved Rev Claude by how much she talked about him to the class. I send my love to the family. Gregory L. Jerkins, M,D.

August 31, 2013

Terry B Adamson

Claude and Gayle McBride were huge postive influences on many when at Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun. I send my condolences to his family. He leaves many, many lasting friends,

August 31, 2013

Lucy Cate-Falls

Mr. Claude was certainly one of a kind! I remember him fondly!!
He married my Dad and his second wife, Vassa and Lois Cate. He also returned to Calhoun and mc'd Dad's retirement 'roast' keeping the humor rolling!
We send many hugs and sympathies to you all.

August 30, 2013

Tammy B. Crane

Claude was one of a kind and we will all miss his sense of humor and loving personality. We all know is another angel in heaven looking over us. We love you and will miss you. Our love, thoughts and prayers go to our family,Gayle, Walt, Wynn and their children.






We

August 29, 2013

Helen Hunsinger

It was a sad day when Dr. McBride left his family and many, many friends to move to his home in Glory. He was a very friendly and lovable person. don't believe he never met a stranger. He was always willing to do what was needed in his church and neighborhood. He will definitely be missed by all that knew him. May God be with the family and close friends at this time.

August 29, 2013

Janet West

To the McBride Family, I have thought of you all often and wondered how you all were I have fond memories of the McBride family at Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun, Ga. Janet Adcox West neice of Howard and Janette Adcox

August 28, 2013

MiMi DuBose Gudenrath

A great and oh so funny wonderful man. Prayers lifted up for all of the Mc Bride family....

August 28, 2013

Mandy Morgan Smith

Mrs. McBride, Walt and Wyn,
Thank you for sharing your husband and father. Reverend McBride was like my second Dad and Milledge Ave. Baptist Church was like my second home when I was growing up. He was such an inspiration to so many people in the Athens community. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 28, 2013

we know the world is a better place because you were here. Ron Williams (Nadines cousin).

August 27, 2013

Jim Massey

Dear Mrs. McBride and family:
Claude was an inspiration to so many people. I enjoyed our conversations on Milledge Terrace, Georgia football, visits to Milledge Avenue Baptist and talking to him on the phone at the alumni office. through the years. He will be sorely missed by me and thousands who had contact with him through his life and ministry. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead.

August 27, 2013

Mel and Barbara Sawyer

Rev. Claude McBride touched so many hearts with his humor and joy! He was dearly loved and will be forever remembered and missed. Condolences to his family.

August 27, 2013

Butch Steely

I am Blessed to have known Claude and able to call him a dear friend. Claude's life matched his message.

August 27, 2013

Bill Maxey

I will remember my friendship with Claude during my time as pastor of Princeton United Methodist Church in Athens (1967-72). He was indeed an inspiration to all the minister's who knew him. My condolences and love go out to his entire family during this time of his transition from his earthly home to his home not built with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Bill Maxey (Jonesboro, GA)

August 27, 2013

Gordon Bradwell

Gayle: We have just returned following a month and a half in southern Africa, only to learn of Claude's death. Please know that you, Walt and Wyn are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's grace give each of you comfort and peace. Gordon and Eleanor

August 27, 2013

Claude was a close friend of my older sister (Sara) who recently passed as well. I knew him through that relationship. Our paths crossed several times over the years. I was always encouraged after meeting him along the way by his positive approach to life. I kidded him by reminding him that he was "praying for the wrong team"!

Foster Watkins, BHS,'55. GT.'59

August 27, 2013

Mike Hancock

I will miss you Claude! You were a great mentor to me when I was a student working for you at the old Alumni House. Thanks for help molding me into the husband and father that I am today! Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

August 27, 2013

Cooper Gunby

"A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine" What a wonderful sense of humor! Thanks for making a difference in my life and many other Bulldog players too! I think of the rev for the soul and Leonard Cobb for the stomach!!

August 27, 2013

Elaine West

Gayle, Just heard of Claude's passing. Words cannot express the lasting effect that you and Claude had on the teens at Belmont. Larry and I often talk of the two of you. You and your family are in our prayers.
Elaine(Shiflett) and Larry West. Must have done something right. We will be married 50 years in a few months. Thanks again Gayle and Claude.

August 27, 2013

Lynn Breedlove

I am so sorry to hear of Claude's passing. Claude and Gail have been such bright examples of practicing Christians. Claude was talented and so gifted with people skills. I enjoyed traveling with him and was so impressed by his devotion to the Athens community and UGA. He will indeed be missed by all.

Lynn Breedlove

August 27, 2013

Sharon Maxey

My family so loved Rev McBride. I consider myself blessed that he was the ministerial beacon for us during my childhood. Growing up I was privileged to hear him preach and, on occasion, transform himself to "Happy Calhoun". After his retirement I was touched that he came back to perform my wedding. He will be missed by many. Thank you for many years of inspiration. My heart goes out to the entire McBride family.

August 27, 2013

Dee Carver

Walt, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I will always remember his guidance and inspiration during our time in Athens. Our prayers are with you and your family. Athens and the UGA family have lost a true one of a kind.

August 26, 2013

Mary Lue Walser

You will be missed by our entire community. I met Claude in 1988 when Gene Michaels and I participated in the State Fair. He was a wonderful spiritual man.

August 26, 2013

Joyce Akin

Thinking of you. You were close friends and I am so sad to hear about Claude. He was a very special person. May God hold each of you close and know that Claude is still doing his best in a higher place now. Much love,

August 26, 2013

Mac and Becky McWhorter

Mac and I are so saddened to hear of Claude's passing. He was always ready to help no matter the situation. He will be missed.

August 26, 2013

Jimmy Stokes

Claude Walton McBride changed my life for the better in so many ways. He completely changed my philosophy about people and about Christianity. He taught me more than any teacher I ever had. He was the great lion of God.
I am forever and ever indebted to him.

August 26, 2013

We loved Claude dearly and enjoyed the times we were with all of you. I am so glad that Lee and Ashley shared you with us at the very beginning. He was a very talented man in so many ways--from music to Happy Calhoun. He was a tremendous influence on our lives, as well as Julie's and Lynn's, and we held him with much respect and admiration. He truly was a great man and will be sorely missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Sonny and Frances Reddish

August 26, 2013

Frank Edwards

We have lost a truly good soul. Claude was an inspiration to me. He was such a good man and always in good spirits. He married my wife and I, and was willing to fly all the way to Framingham, MA to do it. I have thought of him often through the years. My prayers go out to all of his family and all of us affected by this loss.

August 26, 2013

Dear Mrs. McBride, Walt and Wynter,

Thinking about you all during this difficult time.

Lori Sams Smith

August 26, 2013

Not only was he a great spiritual leader, specially to young men, but a great human being who never took himself too seriously and enjoyed life to the fullest. We will miss you Rev!

Frank Ros

August 26, 2013

Janet Luke

"Happy Calhoun" painted a Mural that hangs in our Bogart Community Cente, many years ago. We will cherish it more now. He was one of a kind and loved by all. Love to his family . Janet Luke, BHS Alumni

August 26, 2013

I'm remembering today the McBride Family and Reverend McBride as I celebrate his life and love for all of us.
Marshall Welsh '81 Bulldogs
Tucker, GA

August 26, 2013

Katrina Bowers

What a great bulldog...What a great man! Thinking of you, McBride family as you celebrate a life that lived every minute he was alive! I'll miss him on earth.

August 26, 2013

Vicky Coleman

Gayle, my deepest sympathy in your loss. Claude McBride was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

August 26, 2013

Dave Williams

Rest easy Rev. You were one of a kind...

August 25, 2013

There was no minister like Claude McBride. He was such an influence in our lives. So many of his sermons still live in our hearts and he will be remembered always. Kim, Mary Ann, Jack

August 25, 2013

James Harper

Gayle and family, I learned of Claude's death today; I was saddened. Claude was pivotal in my journey toward a more mindful, authentic faith. He conducted our wedding. He convinced Vince to allow four players to be involved when we were preparing to play in a bowl game. Claude's compassionate presence and wisdom were vital in my identification of a call to ministry and subsequent life of service. He was a man of integrity, one able to fathom the depths of humor and tragedy with those he loved. I went to Southern Seminary based on Claude's guidance. That was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I appreciate Claude; his ministry with me as a Chaplain was fundamental to my entry into fulltime ministry and my faithfulness to remain there ... now ....some thirty-seven years.
The Rev. Dr. James M. Harper, III

August 25, 2013

Lauren & Scott Thompson

Claude McBride is a man I will always hold close to my heart. Nearly a year ago on Sept. 8, 2013 he married my husband and I. Many years before that he married my mother and father. I wanted Claude to preside over our marriage because he not only married my parents but he was close friends with my grandfather, Rev. John Henry Davidson who passed many years ago. My husband and I were so blessed to have Claude as a part of our wedding day and will remember it forever. Rest in Peace Claude!

August 25, 2013

Kathryn Selick-Ehrgott

When I remember my days at MABC, there is hardly a time I don't think of the name Claude McBride. What a man, what a family. My heart grieves for Gayle and all of his loved ones. Truly a legend to the Athens community, and truly a "darn" good Dawg.

August 25, 2013

Larry G. Allen

I was deeply saddened to hear of Claude's
passing.I got to know him well as my instructor in several classes at The Christian College of Georgia.He made learning learning so much fun and I obtained many great life lessons from him.I know he is lighting up Heaven with joy right now!

August 25, 2013

Doris Granum

Tom and I, along with Mary Winn, send our thoughts to everyone, especially Wynter, Claudia and GeeGee. We have wonderful memories of your family and know you will miss Claude. Claudia has an incredible namesake to live up to!
Doris Granum

August 25, 2013

Cindy Harris Brett

Mr. McBride was the only pastor I had from the time I was born in 1965 to the day he married John and me in 1990. He was such a good man - a wonderful influence in my life and a great family friend. Even at a young age I could understand his preaching and his sermons - Mr. McBride was a good man, a Godly man, and someone I will never forget. He made it easy for a teenage girl to want to come to church - especially when he brought all the Bulldogs and sat them on the front rows on the left hand side - I had a great view from the balcony while I sat with my family.
Looking forward to the day when we will all be reunited in Heaven, at the foot of the throne, with Jesus.

August 25, 2013

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Claude married Marvin & I at Milledge Avenue on August 22, 1970. I was just looking through the wedding album this week and thinking of him. He was a wonderful man who touched so many.
Carolyn Etheridge Springston

August 25, 2013

Carol Snyder Roberts

Gayle,
Claude will be greatly missed by those who knew him. I remember so much about growing up a few doors down from your family and attending Milledge Avenue. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 25, 2013

Karen and Nathan Phillips

We enjoyed knowing Rev. McBride at MABC and were inspired by his zest for life.

August 25, 2013

Gretchen Evans

Gayle and Wynter, I was so saddened to read of Rev. McBrides passing. He was such a fun and happy person. He leaves an amazing legacy in Athens. My prayers go out to you both for strength to get through this sad time.

August 25, 2013

Judith Van Meter Parris

My deepest sympathy to all the family. Rev. McBride married us at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church 28 years ago on 8/24. We also had a common aunt and uncle in Columbus. The world is a better place because of this man of God. He will truly be missed.

August 25, 2013

Edmond Underwood

What a truly great and gifted man. It was an honor to know him.

August 25, 2013

Donna Elder

May hope and peace be yours today and always.
With sympathy,

August 25, 2013

My love and prayers go out to you all. Claude was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Nancy Oglesby Holton

August 25, 2013

Mary and Jimmy Jordan

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. McBride's family. On January 14, 1978, we were married by Rev. McBride at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church. It was one of the coldest nights in Athens that we can remember, but Rev. McBride made it such a wonderful ceremony and after introducing us as "husband and wife" he gave us a "Go Dawgs" send off! We are still going strong after 35 years. God bless him.

August 25, 2013

Irene Seagraves

Ms Gayle, we are so sorry for your loss. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless each of you. Mr Claude was a special man loved by many and will be missed by many in the dawg nation and Athens area.

Frank and Irene Seagraves

August 25, 2013

Steve Middlebrooks

My condolences to the family. It was a blessing in my life & so many others to know Rev. McBride

August 24, 2013

Jim Ramsey

Dear Gayle and Family, Claude was the man of the hour while I was a student at UGA. He came to my dorm room at Tucker Hall one Sunday night Sept 25, 1965 and told me of the sudden death of my father in Savannah. I was devastated. When I told him my car was in the shop, he said, "Take mine, Jim, and then he told George, my roommate to take me home. He later came to the funeral. He counseled me throughout my Senior year when I could not think clearly and grieved so deeply. He counseled me with my proposal to Nan, who I later married. He was my pastor, but more than that he was my friend and he always had an interest in my ministry. I will never forget Claude, his sermons, his encouragement and love. Thanks for sharing him with all of us. Our prayers are with you and your family. May God's grace and love be sufficient.

August 24, 2013

Tava Aziabor

Sending warm hugs and thoughts to you and your family at this time.

August 24, 2013

Diana Moody

Mrs McBride...I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Your and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Diana Leon Moody

August 25, 2013

Bernstein Funeral Home

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

August 24, 2013

Kermit Perry

Although a huge loss personally and to the entire bulldog community, heaven will be filled with laughter with his presence. Claude was a gifted pastor, energetic entertainer, a loyal friend and a "damn good dawg!". I am fortunate to have known and loved him.
My deepest sympathy to Gayle and the entire McBride family.

August 24, 2013

Dianne Belch

My deepest sympathy to the McBride family. I will never forget when Claude borrowed one dollar from my Dad in Waycross so he could pay the Jekyll Island toll. During his years in UGA Alumni Affairs, we enjoyed his jokes, wise counsel, and the egg nog he always brought to the Christmas party. Though I will miss him, he will always be remembered with a smile.

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