Claude William Dorning died peacefully at his beloved Adams Street home on September 21, two days before his ninety-sixth birthday. The love of his life and devoted wife of 52 years, Layne Bishop Dorning, was at his side. Claude was a native Huntsvilllian and had a deep love for our community. He was a distinguished businessman and founding member of several local companies. He was the oldest living member of both The Huntsville Country Club and The Elks Lodge, where he was renowned for his skillful artistry of card playing.
He lived a rich and diverse life. He briefly attended Auburn University before being drafted into World War II, where he became a gunnery instructor at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. After the war, he transferred to the University of Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Afterwards, he joined Dr. von Braun’s team at Redstone Army Missile Command, transferring with the team to the newly developed NASA in 1960, where he became a Contracting Officer. After his retirement from NASA, he and Layne opened Sterling Travel Agency and realized their dream of becoming extensive world voyagers.
He was the most generous, caring and loving father to his three children, Drama Dorning Breland (David), Suzanne Dorning Conway (Ron), and Claude William Dorning, Jr. (Karen); six grandchildren, Caroline Dorning Goll, William David Breland, Mary Katherine Breland, Foster Dorning Shrout, Thomas Hampton Shrout and John Wyatt Conway; and one great-grandson, Grayson Lee Goll. He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Sally Butler Dorning and Jesse Lee Dorning; his first wife, Jowilla Butler Dorning; and many loyal friends.
He will be remembered for his zest for life and contagious optimism, best summarized by Louis Armstrong in his favorite song, “What a Wonderful World.” His was a wonderful world indeed, a befitting backdrop for a wonderful and well lived life.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 Wednesday, September 23rd at Maple Hill Cemetery with the Reverend Bill Crosby officiating.
