AHOSKIE – William Gerald Stroud, age 77, of Ahoskie passed away on February 26, 2015 at his residence.

Mr. Stroud was born on December 1, 1937 to sharecroppers William Knelm and Katherine Edmondson Stroud at Mayo’s Crossroad in Edgecombe County, NC. William graduated from ScotlandNeckHigh School in 1956. After working on farms and raising livestock, he later came to work with Baker and Beale Supermarket in Ahoskie, NC with his uncle Stanley Stroud. He then took a job as meat cutter/meat manager with A&P. William was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially loved to hear his dogs running deer or rabbits, and reminiscing about the good old days and rearing his family, stating many times that his family was his greatest accomplishment in life.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Tim Stroud.

William is survived by his four sons, Randy and wife Beth Stroud, Jerry Stroud, and Ledie Stroud all of Ahoskie, NC, and Steve Stroud of Cofield, NC; a daughter-in-law, Cathy Piland of Ahoskie; two brothers, Hubert and wife Janice Stroud of Robersonville, NC, and Donald Stroud of Oak City, NC; a sister, Kathy and husband Jon Hall of Hamilton, NC; thirteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. James C. Ward officiating. Private burial will be at the Brinkley Family Cemetery.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Stroud family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.