Henry Claussen

Henry Claussen III

John Christian Henry Claussen III died peacefully in his Augusta home surrounded by family on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the age of 68 of pancreatic cancer. Henry was the loving husband of 45 years to Frances Robinson Claussen.

In addition to his beloved wife, Henry is survived by his children, Rebecca Claussen Brown (Joe) and Dr. Henry Herman Claussen (Cassidy) and grandchildren William Shepard Brown and Charlotte Alyce Brown. He is also survived by his sisters, Elisabeth Winter Claussen and Anne Wilcox Claussen, his brother Charles Iverson Claussen (Alla), his mother-in-law Charlotte Furrh Robinson, sister-in-law Charlotte Smith (Philippe Amiraux), six nieces and nephews, dear family friend Myra Machmer, and his pandemic rescue dog, Dixie.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Herman Claussen and Elisabeth Bryans Claussen, his sister Louise Keith Claussen, and his father-in-law Dr. Jack Robinson.

Henry grew up in the Episcopal Church and became a Bascopalian after marrying Frances. He was a fine Christian man and his faith ran deep.

Henry lived most of his life in Augusta, GA and was a lifelong member of the Augusta Country Club. He was also a member of the Augusta Assembly where he was past Treasurer and past President. Henry loved to play golf, fish, play cards, listen to music, collect arrowheads, shark teeth, and fossils, and he was obsessed with the weather. Although he was known for his golf skills, he was also a nearly unbeatable foosball player. Henry was a wonderful storyteller and loved to recreate the story of his temporary arrest as a bank robbery suspect in Yemassee, SC.

One of Henry’s trademark abilities was connecting with people from all walks of life. He was always more interested in learning about others than talking about himself, and he was blessed with all the friends he made through the years.

Henry was a lifelong golfer known for his long drives. He was frequently referred to in newspaper articles as “Awesome Claussen.” He qualified twice for the US Amateur Championship and was a seven-time winner of the Augusta Country Club Men’s Championship across four decades. Henry was the two-time Augusta City Amateur winner in 1985 and 1987. For 42 years, he volunteered for the Augusta National Masters Golf Tournament, serving as an official in various capacities.

Henry attended Forest Hills Elementary, Aiken Prep, and Augusta Prep before attending Georgia Southern and Augusta College. He began his lifelong career in construction at his father’s company Claussen Paving, later working for Southern Aggregates. At the time of his death, he was working for Reeves Coastal, a subsidiary of the multinational French construction firm, Colas.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Augusta with Dr. Will Dyer officiating. The Augusta Golf Association will serve as honorary pallbearers. A private graveside service will be held following the church service. His family will receive visitors in the Wallace House at the Augusta Country Club at 4:00 pm.

A special thanks to his caregivers Dr. Daryl Wiley, Jimmy Carson, Dr. George Pursley, and Southeast Hospice, especially nurses Christel Akers and Kayla Perdue.

If so desired, donations may be made to Project Refresh, Inc., 803 Carriage Court, Augusta, GA 30909 (projectrefreshinc.com) or to an animal rescue or shelter of your choice.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com