Claude Preston Hattaway

Claude Preston Hattaway, born on September 18, 1930, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, May 21, 2021. Raised on a farm in Houston County, Georgia, he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He was selected for the Korean War draft and dutifully served his country in the United States Army. Following his return home, Mr. Hattaway began working for Fountain Cleaners in Warner Robins where he met a friend named, Dreufus Fountain. Together they acquired Giles Men’s Store and renamed it, The Toggery. Beloved by people throughout the city of Warner Robins, Claude was honored to have dressed men and women to the nines for 44 years. The store was a popular destination unlike any other in town until its closing in 1996. Claude was a true entrepreneur and had his hands in many business dealings in and around Houston County in his 90 years of life, including serving as Director of Citizens State Bank and part owner of Northside Garden Apartments.

A big supporter and tireless servant of the Houston County community, Mr. Hattaway enjoyed serving in the Warner Robins Civitan Club, the Noon Optimist Club and numerous other civil organizations and activities. He thrived in social environments as he never met a stranger and was always the life of every party. When he wasn’t out and about in the community, you could find Claude fishing, gardening, or spending time with his family. His enormous personality and friendly smile will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Jean Justus Hattaway; brothers, Arthur, John, Robert, James and Albert Hattaway; and sisters, Ruth Ford and Doris Lacey.

Claude is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Ann Rape of Centerville; children, Kathy Armstrong (Willie) of Kathleen, Barry Hattaway (Kay) of Bonaire and Tamra Hattaway of Perry; grandchildren, Justin Armstrong (Casey), Branden Armstrong, Samantha Williams (Shane), Landen Hattaway and Logan Hattaway; great-grandchildren, Nevan Armstrong, Abigail Armstrong and Vining Williams; and sister, Margaret Rouse of Centerville.

A memorial service celebrating Claude’s life will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. A private family committal service will be held in Parkway Memorial Gardens following the service.

In memory of Claude, his family requests memorial donations be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 100, Hahira, GA 31632.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.