Edward "Eddie" Stroup

Mr. Edward “Eddie” Eugene Stroup, age 62, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025.

Eddie was born January 17, 1963, in Cedartown, Georgia, son of the late James Edward Stroup and Linda Gail Crawford Stroup.

Eddie was a proud UGA football fan who never missed a chance to cheer on the Bulldogs. He worked as a machine operator at Newark Paperboard for twenty-two years before retiring. In 1981, he answered God’s call to preach and developed a deep love for his church family at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Felton, Georgia. More than anything, Eddie loved his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Laura, for forty-three years, a caring dad, and a loving grandfather and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Eddie is preceded in death by three still born children; sister, Doris Stroup; and brother, Russell Stroup.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Laura Richards Stroup; children: Russell Stroup and his wife, Valerie, Jeremy Stroup and his wife, Karen, and Bryan Stroup and his wife, Tiffany; dearly loved Dog, Doodlebug, who he lovingly referred to as “Mutt Puppy”; grandchildren: Brookelynn Pearson, Rylee Stroup, Zoey Stroup, Abbie Stroup, Lily Peyton Stroup, Tennille Stroup, Hunter Stroup, Lexi Stroup, Ethan Stroup, Grayson Stroup, Vanna Waddell, Cayden Waddell, and Kristina Ballew; and great-grandchildren: Remi Ballew, Jessa Ballew, and Hanah Ballew. Additionally, he is survived by a sister, Delois Gladden and her husband, Jimmy; special nephews: Dustin Stroup, and Scott Thompson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services to honor Eddie’s life will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Smith & Miller Funeral Home, with Reverend Ricky Caldwell and Reverend Michael Craft officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Felton, Georgia.

Eddie’s family will receive friends Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025, at Smith & Miller Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Lee Dobbs, Stan Carnes, Ben Carnes, Jimmy Gladden, Cory Craft, and Dustin Stroup.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Eddie’s dearly loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Edward “Eddie” Eugene Stroup.