Claude E. Lanham

Claude Everette Lanham (CE), 92, of Columbia, South Carolina, entered into the presence of our Lord on April 22, 2026. He was born February 12, 1934, in Mount Carbon, West Virginia, the son of Frank and Myrtle Lanham. He graduated from Montgomery High School in Montgomery, West Virginia, in 1952. After high school, CE served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia Tech and later a master’s degree from West Virginia University.

CE began his coaching career at Gallipolis High School in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1956. He soon returned to his alma mater, serving as head football coach of the Montgomery High School Greyhounds from 1957 to 1973. In 1969, Coach CE led the Greyhounds to an undefeated 10–0 season. He also served as head basketball coach and athletic director and taught physical education.

In 1973, he became principal at Montgomery High School. When the school became Valley High School in 1977, he continued in that role until retiring in May 1986. CE was widely respected for his organization, steady leadership, and dedication to students and staff.

CE was a long-time resident of Pratt, West Virginia. In 1989, the week after Hurricane Hugo, he and Nancy moved to Fripp Island, South Carolina. He worked at Ocean Point Golf Club from 1989 to 1999, then moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked with the Hyatt until 2020.

CE married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Carol Surgeon, on July 31, 1955, in a double wedding ceremony with Nancy’s brother, Eddie, and Arlou Landers at the Montgomery Methodist Church—what CE would always say was “the hottest day on earth.” CE was known for the “open-door policy” at his and Nancy’s home and dinner table: the more, the merrier. He loved cooking for family and friends, with homemade pizza from scratch, prime rib, hot dog chili, and BBQ pork steaks on the grill among his specialties. An avid sports fan, he especially enjoyed following the WVU Mountaineers. His favorite hobbies included fishing, playing cards with friends, and watching westerns. Above all, CE cherished his family and was proud of each of them. His favorite song was “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and the family always felt it fit him perfectly.

CE is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Carol Surgeon Lanham; and their children, Dr. Steve Lanham (Kathy) of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Kim Pierce (Roger) of Columbia, South Carolina. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Chad Lanham of Columbia, South Carolina; Bria Gasparato (Greg) of Gainesville, Florida; Kyle Lanham (Ajia) of Washington, DC; Drew Pierce (Crystal) of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; and Logan Pierce of Charlotte, North Carolina; as well as three great-grandchildren, Dominick, Christian, and Mila Gasparato. He is further survived by his nephew, Rev. James “Jimmy” Dempsey—whom he considered a younger brother—and Jimmy’s wife, Patty, of Smithers, West Virginia, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by seven siblings: Paul, Dreama, Elizabeth, Ethel, Bill, Charles, and Robert.

The family would like to thank Baptist Parkridge Hospital, Your Health, Amedisys Home Health, Dr. Dan Bouknight, and Dr. Sean Fuller for their kindness and care.

A memorial service and burial will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life in Columbia, South Carolina (date forthcoming). In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project or to your church community in CE’s honor.

CE’s generosity, kindness, and hospitality will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him