Cecil Earl Stroud

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Cecil Earl Stroud, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 86, surrounded by family. He was born May 29, 1937, in Lenior County to the late Marvin Stroud and Nora Mae Stroud. His strong family values, faith in the Lord, and love of all things nature were rooted in his growing up in Seven Springs, NC.; a small close knit town overlooked by a little white church on a hill. That smart and fun-loving boy with big ears and a big heart was destined for a life that would positively impact many others. Cecil served in the US Air Force to support his country and his family and then went to college. His studies at Campbell University and East Carolina University led to a career in education that spanned over 30 years as a Teacher in Wayne County, Principal in Oxford and Statesville, and Superintendent of Nash County Schools. Although he loved his work in education, what he loved most was the people he met and the relationships he formed along the way. Cecil worked hard and loved even harder. He spent his whole life trying to make things better for others whether it be through his work or simply sharing a laugh and a fun story when you needed it most. His unique style, sense of humor, and quirky personality made him all that much more special in our hearts. His unselfish nature and genuine kindness were both inspiring and contagious. Family, friends, faith, and fishing were his at his core throughout his entire life. After retirement, Cecil continued to enjoy traveling, fishing, and making memories with those he loved. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Peggie L. Stroud, his daughter Nora Catherine Winstead, and sister-in-law Debbie Stroud. Cecil is survived by daughters Carol Alton (Brent), Connie Skinner (Scott); sons Stan Harris (Wendy), Mark Harris (Donielle); grandchildren, Catherine Evans (Billy), Jackson Alton, Luke Marsigli, and Lillie Harris; great-grandchildren, Harley Perry, Jordan Hardie, Daisy Evans, Tony Evans (Kailey), Rody Evans; great-great grandchild Rylan Evans; sister Dorothy Humphrey, and brother Donald Stroud (Angela). Cecil will be deeply missed by his family and friends but as he, himself would say during a difficult, devastating time, “This too shall pass.” Funeral Services will be held at Cornerstone on Monday, January 29. Visitation will begin at 1:30 and a service in the chapel will be at 3:00, afterwards family & friends are welcome at Rocky Mount Memorial Park for the entombment. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital; a charity that was close to his heart for many years.

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Cecil Earl Stroud

May 29, 1937 - January 23, 2024