On September 16, 2024, Gary Wayne Stroupe defeated cancer and was rewarded with an eternal life in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with many friends and family members who greeted him with open arms.
Gary was born in Morganton on June 8, 1956. He married the love of his life, Susie, in 1976. Together they built a beautiful life and several businesses. Even with many successes in life, Gary would tell you that his greatest accomplishments were his daughter, Rebecca (Chris) and his son, Kevin (Michelle), who he lovingly referred to as Doodles and Tater. But nothing measured up to his love for his grandchildren, Hannah, Anabel, Jackson and Colt.
Gary knew exactly what he wanted in life, went after it, and didn’t let much stand in his way. He knew what to say and what to do at the right times, and even if he said something that rubbed someone the wrong way, he did it out of love, and they knew he was probably right.
Gary truly loved working. As a teenager he began driving septic tank trucks for his father, Ben Stroupe. He had a septic tank pumping service, and started American Concrete, Inc. in the mid-1980s, which is still going strong today. He made a good time out of anything he did. If he wasn’t working hard on his businesses, he was working on trading old cars, cutting hay, feeding cows or finding something else to keep him busy.
But Gary also found plenty of time to relax. He simply loved having a good time. He went on many adventurous hunting and fishing trips, he loved to dance, and some of his favorite times were spent with friends at Ocean Lakes Campground and nearly weekly with a large group at a Mexican restaurant.
Gary will be missed by all of his immediate and extended family and his numerous friends around the world.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Mt. Home Baptist Church (2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC). A celebration of Gary’s life will follow at 3 p.m. in the church with Dr. Ed Yount officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217, P.O. Box 215, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Mt. Home Baptist Church, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was special to Jack and me. He was like the Energizer Bunny when he was helping us at Time Saver Market. He carried that 'get it done' attitude in everything he did. Susie, I am praying for peace and strength in the days ahead, for you and all his precious family...Rebecca, Kevin and all the 'Grands, as well as sisters Linda and Lisa, and parents, Ben and Sue. With love and sympathy, Guinn Huffman
So sorry to hear about Gary. Wilma and I wish we could be there. You are all in our prayers.