Claude L. Vaughan, Jr. (called "C. L." by his family and friends) passed away March 11, 2016. He was 97 years old and lived a great life. He graduated from high school in Clarksville, GA., and following his father, graduated from Clemson University in 1939 with a BS degree in Architecture. He was a member of the Rifle Team and, a crack marksman, competing in the 1939 National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

After college, C. L. worked for Duke Power Company and while at Cliffside Steam Station, he met his future wife, Francanna Clark of Shelby, NC. They were married on July 25, 1941 at Central Methodist Church in Shelby.

In 1941, C. L. was stationed at Camp Wheeler, GA., Camp Blanding, FL, and Camp Hood, TX, and then served with the occupation forces in Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Major in the Infantry in May 1955.

Following the war, C.L. began his Architectural practice in Shelby with projects of public schools, colleges, hospitals, and churches, for numerous commercial and residential clients. He served as President of the AIA NC Western Council and served on the NC AIA Board of Directors.

1. L. and his family were members of Central United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Stewards and assisted in the administration of building maintenance. He was active in civic affairs, organizing the local Optimist Club and serving as President. Golf, being his favorite sport, he joined the Cleveland Country Club and served on the Board of Directors.

Upon retirement, C. L. and Francanna purchased a condo near Stuart, FL and spent 6 months of the year there and 6 months at the family cottage on Lake Wylie, SC. They joined Miles Grant country club in Florida and C. L. continued his golf, fishing, and playing bridge. He hit his last hole-in-one when he was 91. He was elected to the club Board of Directors and designed several structures for them. At the age of 92, C. L. and Francanna fully retired to their cottage on Lake Wylie.

1. L. is survived by his wife, Francanna; sister, Dorothy Clary of Tryon, son, C. L. Vaughan III (Anne) of Wendell; and son, Alan Grady Vaughan (June) of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by a daughter Anna Vaughan Matthews, and a son, Bruce Reid Vaughan. Also surviving are grandchildren Francanna Vaughan, Bourke Vaughan (Amanda), Jennifer Vaughan Marsey (James), Casey Vaughan (Ansley), five great-grandchildren Jonah and Micah Vaughan, Braden and Julie Vaughan, Mason Marsey.

Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Shelby, NC, with graveside services with Military Honors at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Vaughan.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com