Claude Lee Burroughs

Claude Lee Burroughs, lovingly known as “Little Brother”, was born on February 15, 1940, in Whatley, Alabama.  He was born after his twin brother, Floyd Lee Burroughs, known as “Big Brother,” to Eddie William Burroughs and Allie Mae Calhoun. Claude grew up in Whatley, Alabama and was baptized at an early age at the Indian Ridge Baptist Church. Claude attended Indian Ridge Junior High School where he became     acquainted with his future wife, Genetta Mitchell.

On June 9, 1964, Claude married his childhood sweetheart Genetta Mitchell. They became the proud parents of a daughter, Pamela LaTe Burroughs. During 1976, Claude and Genetta became parents to their niece, Alanna Johns, aged 4, after the passing of Alanna’s mother, Annie Lee Burroughs-Johns.

In the 1970s, Claude and his family joined Grace Covenant Church located in Compton, California.

Claude started his trucking career driving a log truck in the state of Alabama with his older brother Miller C.  In 1960, Claude, his twin brother, Floyd, and several other siblings moved to Los Angeles, California where one of his first employment opportunities was working for Western Union as a messenger. 

Claude was employed for over thirty-five years as a professional truck driver for various trucking companies including Nealson Trucking and Ralphs Grocery Trucking.  During this time, He was a long-time member of the Teamsters Union.

In 2003, Claude retired from Ralphs Trucking to pursue his long-time  interests of hunting, fishing, and gardening.  In his later years, he especially enjoyed reminiscing with Robert Lee Mitchell, his brother-in-law, his twin brother, Floyd Lee Burroughs and other close family    members and friends.

On March 26, 2024, Claude Lee Burroughs departed this life after battling a series of illnesses over the past years.  Preceding him were his parents, Eddie and Allie Mae Burroughs; his siblings Betty Jane         Burroughs-Robinson, John Joseph Burroughs, Ollie Lou Burroughs-Johnson, Annie Lee Burroughs-Johns, Miller C. Burroughs, Floyd Lee Burroughs, Alma Burroughs-Phyall, his son Jerry Lee Gooding; and half-brothers James Savage, Charles Burroughs, and Strauther Burroughs.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Genetta Burroughs, daughters Pamela Tomlinson (Bruce), Alanna Johns, granddaughters Julia Tomlinson and Keyona Phillips, grandson Keiwunty Phillips, great granddaughters, Jaylani and Jaliyah Downard, and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends and family.

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