James Michael Stroud

James Michael “Mike” Stroud, 80, retired educator and former resident of Columbia, died Monday, February 2, 2026 at The Harpeth at Harmony Hills in Franklin.

The family will visit with friends Friday, February 6, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A graveside gathering will take place at 2:30 PM at Worley Cemetery in Hampshire, TN.

Memorials may be made to Hope Force International at www.hopeforce.org or The Gate Church at www.thegate.cc. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Mike was born on November 21, 1945 in Big Spring, Texas to the late James Long Stroud, Jr. and the late Neva Rowena Handley Stroud. Mike graduated from Ft. Worth Christian Academy, received his Bachelor’s degree from Harding University and his Master’s Plus 30 from Middle Tennessee State University.

Mr. Stroud had served as the Transportation Supervisor with the Maury County Board of Education as well as being an Assistant Principal at Whitthorne Middle School. The staff and the many students who came through Whitthorne during his tenure held a special place in his heart and in his prayers. He was known to be able to recall many a student’s name even decades after he had them. Along with school administration, Mike enjoyed yardwork, neighborhood walks, and spending time with his family.

One friend recently wrote, “When I first met Mike Stroud at The Gate Church, he struck me as a man from another era—strong and steady. He was straightforward, confident, and sincere. A quiet man, secure in who he was and what he believed.” This is true because, like the apostle Paul, Mike could say, “I know Whom I have believed in.” His relationship with his Lord was the core part of his life. His was a throughout-the-day interaction with God through the Word and in song. He loved to sing, and his strong baritone voice resonated with much more than pitch-perfect accuracy, it resonated with knowing the goodness of God, with trust in His nature, with belief in His ability to forgive, to save, to transform. Mike served as an elder at The Gate Church in Franklin and previously at Belmont Church in Nashville, and also as a chaplain with Hope Force International.

Mike is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy Suzanne Ball Stroud of Franklin. Throughout the whole of their long marriage Mike was smitten with Suzanne, and some of the very last words he was able to say were, “my beautiful girl.” Others include three children, James Michael Stroud, Jr., Rachel Stroud Weaver (Aaron) and Jonathan Stroud; five grandchildren, Eleanna Weaver, Simeon Weaver, Asher Weaver, Shiloh Weaver, and Harvest Weaver; and a sister, Melissa Sturm.

Suzanne Stroud and Rachel Stroud Weaver would like to thank the many wonderful staff members at The Harpeth at Harmony Hills and Aveanna Hospice for the care they showed Mike.