Claud Sapp Funderburk Jr.

Born on December 8, 1946, in Greenville, Sapp was the son of the late Claud Sapp Funderburk Sr. and Frances Conyers Norwood. Sapp was a two-time cancer survivor who proudly shared his survival story to provide hope to others with head and neck cancers and to educate the public.

Sapp spent summers during his youth enjoying all the adventures Camp Greenville has to offer. Sapp answered the call to serve his country joining the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era before graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1973. He continued to serve by actively participating in the Democratic Party both locally and nationally.

Sapp was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn L. Funderburk. In addition to his wife and parents, Sapp was preceded in death by his brother, George Funderburk, a respected longtime Greenville attorney and judge.

A true South Carolinian at heart, Sapp possessed a lifelong passion for sports, education, and politics. He was a devoted follower of both Furman University and the University of South Carolina, enthusiastically cheering on the Paladins and Gamecocks alike. Beyond athletics, few things brought Sapp as much pure joy as doing the boogiewalk to the sound of beach music; he was an active, spirited member of the Carolina Shag Club. An avid history enthusiast, Sapp loved looking back on the past, but he was best known for his quick wit and natural talent as a storyteller.

His legacy lives on through his four children: Amy E. Funderburk (William Grayson) of Charleston, SC; Joseph E. Funderburk (Madeline) of Greenville; Catherine F. Kamieniecki (Rafal) of Greenville; and Laura F. Kornacki (Douglas) of Lawton, OK. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, including Kaitlyn Funderburk, Marcy King, Tyler Komacki, and Ellis Funderburk, and a loving extended family.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 3pm at Younts Conference Center on the Furman University campus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the International Association of Laryngectomees (www.theialvoice.org)