Claude was born in Jamestown to the late Alexander and Ellen Cooper. He retired from Komatsu at the age of 82. Bud was a member of Sawyer Missionary Baptist Church. He was a longtime member of Signal Mountain Masonic Lodge.
Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Jane Cooper; son, Richard Doug Cooper; and his siblings, Pat, Sam, and Veachel Cooper.
He is survived by his daughter, Clata Cooper; grandchildren, Haley Mundis and Alex (Mary) Mundis; siblings, Mabel Guffey and Cluie Cooper; along with many cousins and wonderful friends.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, May 29, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Masonic services and a Celebration of Life for Bud will follow at 3 pm on Saturday at the North Chapel with his Pastor Larry Miller officiating.
Burial will be in Wright Cemetery in Jamestown, Tennessee.