Joseph E. Stroud Sr.

1927 - 2025

Joseph E. Stroud, Sr. (Joe), age 98, of Chapin, South Carolina, formerly of Wake County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 04 November 2025, at home. He was born 14 September 1927 to the late Rev. I. T. Stroud and Esther Pease Stroud in Albertson, North Carolina.

He attended Wake Forest College and graduated from Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tennessee. He worked in funeral homes in Belmont, Tarboro, and Wake Forest before embarking on his career as co-owner with his brother, David, of Stroud Pontiac-Buick in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. After selling the dealership, he began a new chapter and worked with several car dealerships in Wake County, most recently with Hendrick Automotive Group, coordinating the transport of cars all over the country into his late 80s.

Joe was known by many names – Joe, Skeet, Daddy, Diddy, Dad, Pops, Papa Joe, Granddaddy, and Great Granddaddy. He touched many lives through the years. He was active in Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church, Fellowship Baptist Church, and Chapin Baptist Church over the years. The worship and fellowship with the members of the Koinonia Class at Chapin Baptist brought Joe great joy and comfort. Joe was a member of the Advisory Board during the formation of the Fuquay Rescue Squad and was an active member of the group. He also served as a Town Commissioner. He was active in Scouting and made several trips to Philmont. He loved his family fiercely and we loved him. We are blessed that he made the lifechanging decision 43 years ago on 04 November to become sober and our lives have been enriched beyond measure by that decision.

A proud WWII Navy Veteran, Joe served as a hospital corpsman stateside. One of the highlights of his life came when he and fellow corpsman, Millard Denson of Burlington, were reunited in 2023, having been discharged 76 years earlier. The years melted away and the two picked up where they left off as great friends who spoke daily (and sometimes several times a day). Many of us were also the lucky recipients of daily calls and treasure the connection we had across the miles.

He is survived by his children; Amy Stroud (Carson) of Raleigh, North Carolina, Karen Cloninger (Don) of Cary, North Carolina, Hal Stroud (Jeanne) of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and daughter-in law Susan Stroud of Richlands, North Carolina; stepchildren, Steve Roberts (Dana) of Greenwood, South Carolina, and Joanie Ballentine (Todd) of Chapin, South Carolina; grandchildren, Daniel Shine Stroud (Lara), Laura Katherine Stroud (Em), Cassidy Cloninger (Tyler), Capt. Conor Cloninger (Kristine), Dylan Stroud, and Wyatt Stroud; great grandchildren Charley Stroud, Henry Stroud, and Lainey Cloninger; step- grandchildren, Matthew (Shaley) and Luke Roberts, Emma, Ethan, and Jack Howard Ballentine; step-great-grandson Henry "Hank" Martin Roberts. He is also survived by his sisters Doris (Sis) Eller and Katherine (Kappy) Goslee, his Chinese children, and a host of nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.

Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Lib) Roberts; brothers Al (Bud) Stroud, David (Bald Man) Stroud, Tommy (Bunny) Stroud, and Jerry Stroud; sisters Mildred (Mit) Stallings and Sue (Susie) Todd; children Mary Jo Stroud and Joseph E. Stroud, Jr.; granddaughter Kelly Cloninger; and his trusty canine sidekick Sophie.

His last years were spent in the joyful Ballentine home, where he was spoiled rotten and living his best life. Joe enjoyed many hours on the portico, observing the lake activity and critters that wandered the property. Joanie, Todd, Emma, Ethan, and Jack Howard, words are inadequate to express the depth of the Stroud family's appreciation and love for you all.

A memorial service for Joe will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 24 November 2025, at Chapin Baptist Church, 950 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin, South Carolina 29036, with visitation prior in the Worship Center at 1:00 p.m. The service will be available on the church's YouTube channel.

Joe continued to give by donating his body to USC School of Medicine. There will be a graveside service at a future date in Albertson, North Carolina at the Stroud Family Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Chapin Baptist Church Senior Ministry, Post Office Box 640, Chapin, SC 29036 or to K9s for Warriors at 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, Florida 32081 or donate.k9sforwarriors.org.