Claude B. Drinkard, 87, of Gardendale, went home to be with his Lord on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012.

He was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church and was retired from U.S. Steel after 40 years of service.

His grandson, Nathan Drinkard preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Vonda Lee Drinkard; daughters, Scarlett Hall (Wayne) and Sharlotta Savany (Fadell); son, Rexel Drinkard (Cindy); grandchildren, Matthew Hall, Jason and Kale Donaldson, Fadel and Aden Savany, Rachel, Hannah, Lydia, Moriah and Joshua Drinkard.

His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with burial in Oakwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.