Claude Patterson Caviness

Captain Claude Patterson Caviness, (USN Ret) age 91, of St. Augustine reached "his Omega" and took his “final flight” on October 08, 2022 at Brookdale ALF-St. Augustine. Claude was born on May 27, 1931 in Lillington, NC to parents Claude and Sula (Patterson) Caviness. He grew up and was educated in Raleigh NC and was a gifted athlete playing Baseball and Basketball through his school years. After graduating high school, he had a variety of odd jobs, including working as a gravedigger with the added excitement of using dynamite to loosen the rocky North Carolina soil. He also worked with his father, who was a Conductor on the Norfolk Southern Railroad and developed a lifelong interest of trains and railroads. Claude joined US Navy in 1951 training to become a naval aviator. He served aboard USS Midway and flew a variety of aircraft including the A4 Skyraider. He served during the Korean War and was also a flight instructor. He survived a helo crash in Pensacola FL while riding with a student pilot at the controls. The crash site was so close to his home he and his student walked to the house to report the crash – at the surprise to Patricia. After his discharge from active duty in the Navy, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve and rose to rank of Captain. During this time, he attended the University of Florida and received a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management. Claude worked as a consultant in building construction management for many years and for several companies. He also received a Masters of Business Administration degree in 1982 from the University of Michigan. Claude founded and successfully operated his own company, Contract Consultants Inc., retiring in 2006. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Jacksonville, the N. Florida National Railway Historical Society, the Navy League and Quiet Birdmen. Upon retirement from work and the US Navy Reserves (May 1991), Claude enjoyed an active retirement in St. Augustine. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Carter Caviness, to whom he was married Oct 1954- Jan 2004; his second wife, Patricia Ann Ray, to whom he was married Oct 2004- Apr 2020; and a sister, Betty Sue Bender. He is survived by a daughter, Claudia Rosasco and her husband Stephen of Young Harris, GA; a son, Michael Caviness and his wife Laura of Jacksonville. A celebration of Claude's life with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at. St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Casual dress is requested. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: St. Augustine/ Palm Coast Navy League, PO Box 5194, St. Augustine FL 32085. For those unable to attend, you may watch a live stream by clicking on this link https: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/2aae7d5f-98fd-a9e6-32a7-b774547cf42c . Online condolences can be made at https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneral St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Claude Patterson Caviness

May 27, 1931 - October 8, 2022