Retired campus minister Bill Stroup dies after long battle with cancer

Nov. 9, 2007

JACKSONVILLE —(FBC) William Robert, “Bill,” Stroup, Baptist campus minister in Jacksonville from 1972-2002, died Nov. 7 after an extended battle with cancer. He was 70.

Born on April 11, 1937 in Shreveport, La., Stroup was the son of Bill Stroup, who for many years served as assistant director of the Convention’s Church Music Department. In his role as campus minister, the younger Stroup served Jacksonville University and University of North Florida campuses.

His ministry touched the lives of college students and colleagues alike.

Bill Stroup was “the wisest person I have ever known on this earth,” said Jodie Brandon Underwood of Jacksonville, who participated in the Baptist Campus Ministry in the 1990’s and served on the leadership team. “When Bill spoke, I felt I should be writing it down, for obviously God was speaking His wisdom through this precious man.” 

The mother of three added, “Not ever having a father in my home, he became the model of a true godly man for me and my admiration grew for him through each car wash, spring break mission trip, Leadership Training Conference and Ridgecrest trip. He was truly a man after God's own heart and always led us students to follow God's will in college ministry and through our local churches.”

“His impact on my life and those of thousands of students is immeasurable,” said Alan Walker, minister of music and worship at Neptune Baptist Church in Neptune Beach. “He was the spirit of God during a time when we made life-long decisions about our careers. He had a gift for connecting people and nurturing students and helping them find a path for ministry. He had a ‘God-factor.’”

Dennis Stokes, church business administrator at Central Baptist Church, in Johnson City, Tenn., served alongside Stroup as the associate campus minister in Jacksonville from 1986 to1989. “Bill modeled those things I still strive to imitate to this date: a deep, genuine love for God, and a passion for people. He was a friend and a true mentor in ministry.”

“He was one of those people who loved you too much to let you stay where you were,” Stokes added, “He gently pointed out weaknesses and blind spots and gave assistance and encouragement as you grew to overcome them. I am all the richer for having known and worked alongside this wonderful saint.”

Loy Reed, director of the Convention’s Collegiate Ministries Department, called Stroup “a deeply spiritual and committed man who challenged and changed students’ lives for Christ over 28 years.”

“His quiet and joyful manner made a difference in all those he touched including my own.  I will miss him as friend and co-laborer.  Even in his illness he never ceased to think of the BCM and continued to make contributions to our alumni as well as our department. What he began will continue through the lives of his students and the legacy he left.”

Prior to coming to Jacksonville, Stroup served as a campus student minister in Ellisville, Miss., as youth director in Metairie and New Orleans, La., and Live Oak.

He is survived by his wife, Reda, and a son, William Reeder.