Russell Walter Stroup, 84, of Franklin, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2012.

Born Shamokin, PA, he was the son of the late Russell Walter Stroup, Sr. and Euola Beatrice Snyder Stroup. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother. Russell was a Chaplain in the US Army; after retiring, he worked as a jail Chaplain. He attended Philadelphia Bible College and Providence Barrington, where he received his Bachelor's degree. He also received his Master's degree of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Russell was a devout member of First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Green Stroup; two children, Cherilyn Austin and husband, Tom of West Point, NY and Kim Brown and husband, Dr. Robert Brown of Franklin; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 24th, at First Baptist Church. Sons-in-laws will officiate.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Angel Hospice General Fund, 170 Church St. Franklin, NC 28734 or to Gideons International, PO Box 372, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com