Claude Woodliff

Claude Wilson Woodliff Jr, “Rat” 79 of Harrisburg, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026 at his daughter's home in Concord, NC.  Mr. Woodliff was born August 4, 1947 in Charlotte NC to the late Claude Wilson Woodliff Sr. and the late Mary Patricia [Pat] Vanderburg Woodliff. He was also preceded in death by brothers, John William Woodliff, and Richard Baird Woodliff.

Claude Wilson Woodliff, lovingly known as Papaw or Rat to many, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. To know Claude was to love him. He never met a stranger and had a way of leaving an impact on everyone he encountered. Claude had a contagious smile that made you feel like he always had some exciting secret he couldn’t wait to tell you. And when he laughed, you couldn’t help but laugh right along with him. His contagious laughter had a way of making anyone around him belly laugh.

Claude was a hardworking man who spent 30+years working at ZAK Chemical Corporation in Charlotte, eventually taking ownership and operating the plant for approximately 10 years. While he took great pride in his work, his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Claude had a knack for finding a bargain and was well known for his ability to negotiate the best price on just about anything, often turning around and selling items for a higher price.

He enjoyed fishing, working with tools, splitting wood, yard sales, and helping others whenever he could. But most of all, Claude loved the people around him. He was a selfless man who always put others before himself. One of his greatest qualities was his ability to forgive and forget, never allowing anger or resentment to stand in the way of the relationships he valued so deeply.

Claude lived a life filled with hard work, laughter, generosity, and love. His smile, his laughter, his willingness to help, and the love he poured into his family and friends will forever be a part of the lives of those who were blessed to know him. 

The family will receive friends Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 from 5:00-6:00 pm. @ The Burg Church in Harrisburg with The Celebration of Life immediately following. Address:7155 Hickory Ridge Rd, Harrisburg NC 28075. The memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Wesley Shell.

Survivors include wife Audrey Woodliff of Harrisburg, daughters Claudia Mclaurin (Chris), Angela Rowden (Chuck), and son, Timothy Woodliff(Danielle). Brothers James Woodliff (Beth), and Robert Woodliff. Also Claude had 10 grandchildren, Allie(Andrew), Andy, Alayna, Karley, Kyrsten, Cameron, Hailey (Dylan), Cohen, Avery(Issac), & Jed and 11 great grands, Colten, Daxton, Brixlee, Stetson, Kannon, Oak, Hayden, Sampson, Xander, baby Riggs and a heavenly great grandbaby.

His family has peace in knowing that he is walking the streets of gold hand in hand with our lord and savior.

Memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, VA of Salisbury, or Levin Children's Hospital

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Woodliff family.