Paul Douglas “P.D.” Stroupe, 78, of Murphy, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, after an extended illness surrounded by his loving family at home.
Mr. Stroupe was born June 9, 1944, in Buncombe County and resided most of his life in Cherokee County.
Paul served in the United States Army as part of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry “The Old Guard.” Paul served on the Ceremonial Guard of Honor for President Kennedy’s funeral ceremony.
He then worked for Asheville Police Department and later the North Carolina Highway Patrol until retirement in November 1992.
He was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church and enjoyed his Sunday School class. Paul loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing and camping across the United States.
Paul had a contagious laugh and was known to be a honest and caring man, who helped others in need. A strong handshake and a man’s word meant everything to Paul.
He was the son of the late James Robert and Donnie McMahan Stroupe. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Robert Stroupe, the Rev. Jim Stroupe, Dan Stroupe and Dan’s twin infant brother, David.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Cloria Wilson Stroupe; a daughter, Kimberly Stroupe Congdon and husband Greg of Fletcher, N.C.; a son, Paul Douglas Stroupe II and wife Stephanie of Brasstown; two amazing grandchildren, Cory Stroupe and Ashlyn Stroupe; a brother, Ted Stroupe of Alexander, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rebecca Boyer, and Four Seasons Hospice nurses Janice and Cindy for the excellent care they provided.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. The interment will be in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Hayesville VFW Post 6812, Hayesville American Legion Post 532 and Murphy American Legion Post 96. Pallbearers will be Cory Stroupe, Bailey McKeon, Bill Crisp, Jim Morgan, Jonathan Dickey, Mike Logan and Shawn Dockery. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Cook, Tommy Stephens, Don Saunders, Bill Thompson, Greg Duckworth and Keith Lovin.
The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Paul Douglas “P.D.” Stroupe to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906; or Little Brasstown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 12, Brasstown, NC 28902; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.