Claude Eugene Shook Jr.

Claude Eugene Shook Jr.

Claude Eugene Shook Jr., 81, of Ellijay, Ga., passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Winfield. Born on Dec. 8, 1944, in Charleston, Miss., he was the son of the late Claude Eugene Shook Sr. and Dorothy Belk Shook.
Claude graduated from East Tallahatchie High School before attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in building construction and lettered three years on the Georgia Tech football team. During his time at Tech, he proudly played under the legendary Bobby Dodd, forever identifying himself as one of the “Dodd Boys.” His loyalty to Georgia Tech never faded—he remained a devoted Yellow Jacket enthusiast throughout his life.
He went on to serve his country with honor as a first lieutenant in the United States Army. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Claude’s service remained a profound source of pride for his family.
Professionally, Claude built a long and respected career as a building contractor, owning and operating his own company for many decades. His work earned numerous home‑building awards in the Atlanta and Norcross areas, a testament to his craftsmanship, integrity and unwavering commitment to quality. His passion for construction extended far beyond his career—he truly loved the craft, the process and the satisfaction of building something that would last.
Claude also enjoyed a lifelong love of golf, cherishing time on the course with friends and family. In recent years, nothing brought him more joy than attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. After many years in Roswell, Ga., Claude made his home in Ellijay, where he spent the past decade as a faithful and devoted member of Cartecay United Methodist Church.
Claude is survived by his loving wife, Sarah S. Shook; his daughter, Stephanie S. Poulson, and her husband, Jason; his sons, Claude Eugene Shook III, and his wife, Rebecca, and William David Shook Sr., and his wife, Laura. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Sarah Belk Poulson, Catherine Chase Poulson, Elizabeth Kate Shook, Reed Owen Shook, Camille Elliott Shook, Shelton Berry Shook and his soon‑to‑arrive grandson, William David Shook Jr. Additional survivors include his sister, Ann S. Canale, and her husband, Bevan; his brother, Lee Belk Shook; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Sr. and Dorothy Shook.
Funeral services were held on March 6, 2026, at the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel. A military graveside service followed at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, Miss.

Bowen Funeral Home
Winfield, AL
205-487-4327