Claude Stinson Napier Jr.

On February 7, 2026, Claude Stinson Napier, Jr. completed his earthly journey and stepped into the peace of eternal rest. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, engineer, soldier, and Hokie, he lived with a steadiness of purpose that shaped every community he touched.

Born July 13, 1947, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Claude grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and service. He graduated from Spotsylvania High School before attending Virginia Tech, where he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, Class of 1970, serving in G Company. His years in the Corps forged friendships that lasted a lifetime and instilled a discipline and camaraderie he carried throughout his life.

Claude married the love of his life, Brenda Strickler Napier, and together they shared 55 years of marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and joy. They built a life grounded in loyalty, shared purpose, and a deep appreciation for the people around them.

A gifted civil engineer, Claude dedicated more than four decades to strengthening the bridges and infrastructure of the Commonwealth. He served 20+ years with the Federal Highway Administration, including two decades as Division Bridge Engineer, and later spent nearly 15 years with the Virginia Department of Transportation as Assistant State Structure & Bridge Engineer. Known for his calm leadership and meticulous mind, he mentored young engineers and earned the respect of colleagues across the state.

Parallel to his civilian career, Claude served 20+ years in the United States Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Engineer Branch. His service included roles as Company Commander, Assistant Inspector General, and Operations Officer, and he was recognized with several military decorations honoring his dedication and professionalism.

Claude is survived by his beloved wife Brenda; his daughter Carolyn Napier Lesser and her husband Steve Lesser; and his son Scott Napier and his husband Dominick Laddy. He adored his grandsons, Zachary Lesser and Aaron Lesser, who brought him immeasurable pride.

He is also survived by his siblings, Frances Wyant and her husband Ray Wyant, and Clyde Napier and his wife Mary Napier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Stinson Napier, Sr. and Anna Virginia Moon Napier.

Claude valued community in all its forms. He spent several years coaching youth soccer, served as the neighborhood’s unofficial pig roast master, and nurtured friendships that spanned decades. Few things gave him greater joy than cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events and musical performances. He and Brenda also shared a love of travel, exploring four continents with their children and collecting stories that became cherished family treasures.

In his later years, Claude faced the challenges of Inclusion Body Myositis with the same quiet determination that defined his life. He met each day with perseverance, grace, and an unwavering steadiness that inspired everyone around him.

He will be remembered as a man of character—steady, humble, loyal, and deeply committed to the people and places he cared about. His work strengthened the structures of our state, and his presence strengthened the bonds of those who knew him.

A true embodiment of Ut Prosim — That I May Serve