More detail on this person: It is with deepest respect and profound loss we announce the passing of LTC Claude Lee Stults, Jr. He died at his beloved home within his acres of trees in "Singing Woods" on Sunday, the 29th of November 2015 at the age of 78. Claude is survived by his wife Mary Kay; four sons, Michael Scott, Todd, Neal and Michael James; two daughters in law, Rebecca and Mira; and six grandchildren, Matt, Chris, Ohaia, Victoria, Arianna and Tara; a brother, Billy and two nephews, Billy II and John. He was born in Hardy, KY, a coal mining company town, to Claude Lee and Esther Stults. The family moved to Livingston, Tennessee where he spent his formative years being raised farm fresh with love and hard work on the family farm. He attended Liberty School, a one room school house, for his primary education and high school at Livingston Academy where he enjoyed playing varsity football. He attended Tennessee Tech for his undergraduate degree and graduated as a Distinguished Military Cadet. He earned his MBA from Georgia Southern University. Claude was commissioned in 1959 as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry. He served his country with a long and distinguished military career serving in all major theaters of operation of the twentieth century, Europe, Asia, Central and South America. Graduate of numerous Army specialty schools, United States Army Aviation School, John F. Kennedy School for Special Warfare, Military Language Schools, Command and General Staff College, Paratrooper Qualified, Ranger Certified - he relished his career. He was awarded numerous medals and accolades. Early in his career he was involved with what would later be known as the Berlin Tank Crisis where his exceptional character was acknowledged. During this period of extreme world tension, you have been called upon to perform a variety of difficult and unpleasant tasks. Your response to these tasks has been truly magnificent. It is such loyalty and dedication, as exhibited by you that provides much of our firm foundation of freedom in Berlin. 3 November 1961, Frederick O. Hartel, Brigadier General. He served two tours in Vietnam during which he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Bronze Star Medal for distinguished service against hostile forces. "Heroism evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty; Captain Stults distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while rescuing a reconnaissance patrol which was in danger of annihilation by a force of Viet Cong insurgents." 17 August 1967, James D. Kidder, Colonel. He enjoyed his tour in Bolivia, advising, teaching and flying helicopters and had the unique experience of defending his home during Martial Law. He liked his assignments in Europe but by the third tour he missed his beloved Saturday college football games and the Pros on Sunday. To say he was happy to be back in the States is an understatement. He marched into his second career as a Realtor selling houses in the morning and any weekend that had no prized football games. Intense when working and cool in the afternoons, you could find him swinging in his hammock in the middle of his woods. Money was his secondary goal. Helping people was always his first goal. Claude was never one to brag about his accomplishment. He would instead speak about the heroism of his fellow servicemen. As a citizen soldier his commitment to our Republic's values, Life, Liberty and Individual Pursuit of Happiness, were ingrained into his authentic character. He rarely spoke of his values because he lived them everyday and inspired his friends and family to aspire to the same. His greatest joy in life was his family; he was kind and caring,always available - except during Tennessee football games. His second greatest lifelong joy was Table Tennis. He loved the sport and relished tournaments, filling his study with tall and short, small and large, trophies. While his professional life was characterized by distinction, it was as a husband, father and grandfather that the character of the man shines as a light to those who had the fortune to know him. Always inspiring those he loved with songs and stories on those marathon road trips he loved so much. Extolling the value of hard work, honesty and integrity, he taught by example the value of being "calm, cool and collected". By example, deeds and actions he lived life as his religion. He never failed to pray on a daily basis for his loved ones. When asked about his life he stated "I have had a great life and feel like I am young forever. I have been so fortunate for the grace of a long life against all the odds and am so grateful to be part of my grandchildren's lives. Please take care of each other and always remember that you are all loved." October 2015. Compassion, strength of character and a good heart are the defining attributes of our beloved Claude Lee Stults, Jr. The clarity of his love continues to shine on his family and friends. Until we meet again. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, December 6, 2016 from 1:00 - Arlington National Cemetery 3:00 p.m. at Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, Virginia. A Service will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made on Claude's behalf to one of the many Wounded Warrior funds. Checks are to be made payable to: America's Funds, 4393 Kevin Walker Drive PMB 159 Dumfries, VA, 22025.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery
This information was last updated 04/10/2023
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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