Willie Stroughter

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Deacon Willie Stroughter, Jr.

Deacon Willie Stroughter, Jr., affectionately known as “Toby,” was born on February 7, 1949, in Newellton, Louisiana, to the late Willie Stroughter, Sr., and Alberta Ewell. Toby was the third oldest of 15 children. He accepted Christ at an early age at Martin Chapel Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. N. R. West.

Toby was a trailblazer. After working for Teledyne Corporation, he moved to Dayton, Texas, where he began working for the City of Dayton. He retired after 36 years of dedicated service in November of 2016, becoming the first African American to hold the position of Public Works Director.

Toby met the love of his life, Guestila David, on December 15, 1990, and they were married six months later, on June 14, 1991. Together, they built a life full of love, joy, and devotion. Toby’s unwavering commitment to his faith, family, and community was evident throughout his life, even as he took his final breath. He became a dedicated member of St. Miles Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Hurley Clayton Jr. When Berean Tabernacle Baptist Church was formed, Toby followed God’s guidance and his love for his Pastor, joining the new congregation under the leadership of Dr. H. Clayton, Jr. For 33 years, Toby faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, intercessor, groundskeeper, steward, and regular Bible study participant. He was a man that Berean could always count on. His love for worship was reflected in his involvement in the mass choir, praise team, and male chorus. He found joy in playing his guitar, filling the church and their home with hours of worshipful music and praise to God.

Deacon Toby Stroughter was a man deeply committed to God, his family, his church family, and his friends. He was known for his love of God’s word, ability to encourage others, and his bold kindness. Toby was a pillar of strength in his family. Affectionately known as "Frog" by his siblings, he treasured his relationships with his brothers and sisters. His children, who called him Pops, Dad, or Daddy, knew how deeply he loved them. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him Granddaddy, felt his love in a unique way, as he was actively involved in each of their lives.

Toby lived by the principles of the Bible, sowing seeds of love and kindness into the lives of others without seeking recognition. He prayed fervently for many, stood in the gap and witnessed miracles, signs, and wonders. He was a many of style and was always impeccably dressed, with his clothes starched and ironed, his shoes and black boots shined, and his radiant smile ready to lift the spirits of those around him.

Toby's life mirrored the scripture from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV): “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This passage beautifully reflects Toby’s heart for God, his family, and all those he encountered.

Toby is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Stroughter, Sr. and Alberta Ewell; his brothers, Charles Stroughter and Andrew Stroughter; his sister, Sandra Darlene Houston; and his best friend, Liness Chapman.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife, Guestila Stroughter, whom he affectionately called “The Wife”; his seven children: Lakimbie McCoy (Robert), Quantina Parker (Tony), Tammie Isaac, Shawn Stroughter, Yolanda Jackson (Toiy), Willie Stroughter III (Mary), and Carl Cormer (Jerri). He is also survived by his four sisters: Shirley Johnson, Lynette Patterson, Toni Lee (Don), and Lamia Haggard (Greg); his seven brothers: Joe Stroughter (Erma), Kerry Stroughter, Stanley Ewell, Maurice Ewell, Paul Bingham, Curtis Ewell (Marie), and Purvis Ewell; one bonus brother, Ron Wheliham; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three godchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; his church family at Berean Tabernacle Baptist Church; the David family; his special friends from far and near; The City of Dayton staff; and special neighbors on Calvin Street and Sawmill Road.

Toby may be gone from this world, but he is not forgotten. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.