Claude F. Burge, Jr. died June 16, 2026. Born in Hampton, July 31, 1932, he graduated from Hampton High School in 1951 and was employed by N.A.C.A. that summer. His career was interrupted by the Korean War. He served in the United States Navy (Mine Warfare) and attended Jackson College on OAHU during that time. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to N.A.C.A. (now N.A.S.A.) and attended William and Mary at night on the G.I. Bill. Claude retired from the acquisition division of N.A.S.A. in 1987 with 36 years of service. He was a Charter Member of the National Contract Management Association. The Burge family has been active in the Hampton Volunteer Fire Company since its founding, in 1884. Claude was the fourth generation of his family to serve. He was Company President for 12 years and was currently active as Vice President. He was a company member for 78 years. Claude was a Washington Redskins fan for all of his life.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Vick Burge. He is survived by son, Mark Burge and wife Amy, their children Benjamin Burge and wife, Marjorye and great-grandson Mateo; Dr. Nicholas Jester and wife, Mashell and great-grandson, Noah and great-granddaughter, Ava; and Beverly Bullock and husband, James, son, Bryan and wife Lorin, their children Hunter Hobbs and wife Dania, Valarie Burge, and Audrey Burge; nieces, Karen Burge, Lisa Burge and Susan Burge. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:30pm on June 21, 2026 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton, Virginia. A funeral service will be conducted at 9:30am on June 22, 2026 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with interment following immediately after at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton, Virginia.

Memorial donations may be made to Hampton Volunteer Fire Department, Hampton, VA.