Franklin "Yankee" Delano Stroud

Franklin “Yankee” Delano Stroud, 88, passed away peacefully in his home on July 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 5, 1937, in Deep Run, North Carolina, Franklin learned the value of hard work at an early age while working on his family’s farm. Those lessons of dedication and perseverance stayed with him throughout his life. Eventually, he decided to try his hand at sales, where his natural gift for connecting with people led to tremendous success.

Franklin found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved coaching Little League baseball, spending peaceful days fishing from his boat, and cheering on Duke basketball. He was especially proud of his award-winning fish stew, a recipe that became as much a family tradition as a meal.

Above all else, Yankee treasured his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved, especially his great-grandchildren, who brought endless joy to his later years.

His greatest love, however, was his wife, Nancy. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion and partnership. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this coming January—a remarkable testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and shared memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Barbara Stroud; his brothers, Leslie Stroud, Jr. and Lemuel “Doc” Stroud; and his sisters, Helen Grayson, Dorothy Alphin, Carol Hardison, Judy Croom, and Marie Price.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Stroud; his sons, Ricky Stroud, and Franklin G. Stroud and his partner Tracey Hadley; his daughter, Kimberly Stroud; Troy Williams, who was like a son to him; brother, William "Tucky" Stroud; his grandchildren, Crystal Bahrman-Wilson and her husband Matt, Zachary Stroud, Justin Stroud and his wife Julie, and Jacob Stroud; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Asher Bahrman-Wilson and Grayson Stroud, the apples of his eye.

Franklin will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, and the love he poured into his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the countless lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Kinston. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, 1936 Banks School Road, Kinston, NC 28504.