Claude Plyler

Almighty God in His wisdom and mercy called unto himself our brother in Christ, Claude E. Plyler, age 96, on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022. He passed away at home, after a last glorious sunset over his beloved bay in the Florida Keys, with his wife Raquel Plyler by his side.
Claude was born on June 12, 1926, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was the fourth child of William Edward Plyler and Lena (Misenheimer) Plyler. He was predeceased by his four siblings, Jay, Dorothy, John and Bob. Claude is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Raquel M. Plyler, children Andres D. Fernandez (wife Jennifer), Sabrina Smith (husband Sheldon) and Marco Plyler (wife Tanya), and grandchildren; Dr. Madison (Smith) Thomas (husband Brett Thomas), Cannon Smith, Ariana (Fernandez) Stancil (husband Joshua Stancil), Cristina Fernandez, Maxx Smith, and Joshua Fernandez. He left behind a niece Shari Plyler Peñate (husband Tony) and grandniece Amber (daughter Katelyn) and grandnephew Billy Casanave (wife Amanda, and children Ava and Axel).  He was a loving father and grandfather and loved them all as his own. He also left behind many extended relatives and friends, from Spain, France and Venezuela to Miami and the Florida Keys, whom he loved dearly.
Claude attended school in Rowan County, NC, and graduated from Rowan High School. He enlisted in the Army and served two tours of duty during World War II in Belgium, France and Germany, at one time serving under General Patton as a tank driver. After the war, he came to Miami and worked at Arvida Nursery, and later went out on his own to open Tree Farm, Inc in 1976.
Claude loved the Florida Keys and spent many years on the water, boating and fishing. He enjoyed travel, visiting relatives and playing golf. Claude was a nurseryman and considered all his customers his friends.  He was a member of the FNGLA-Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association, an Honorable member of the Upper Keys Garden Club, and a member of the American Legion. He loved the Lord and was a member of South Kendall Community Church. He loved his church, where he donated and planted most of the trees and landscaping.
A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 12pm at South Kendall Community Church, 16550 SW 147 Ave, Miami, Florida, 33187.
The family would like to express their thanks to the many friends and neighbors in the Keys that became like family, the nurserymen and women who supported him throughout the years, and the church he loved.
If desired, Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of South Kendall Community Church, 16550 SW 147 Ave, Miami, Florida, 33187.