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William Eugene Stroupe, Jr., 89, broadcaster and automobile enthusiast William Eugene “Bill” Stroupe, Jr., 89, Pawleys Island resident, formerly of the Asheville, NC, area, died February 21, 2023, from advanced COPD. He was born in Fairview, NC, on November 14, 1933, to the late William E. Stroupe, Sr. and the former Clara Wilson. He was a 1952 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and attended Asheville Biltmore College. He was a veteran, having served four years in the United States Air Force Security Service. While serving for three years in Germany, he met Irmgard Lang of Wiesbaden. A little more than a year later, they were married and returned to Western North Carolina, where they lived until 2010. Mr. Stroupe was a long-time broadcaster, having begun his career at WISE, then later joining WLOS, where he remained for more than three decades. He began at WLOS as a radio disc jockey before moving into television as a news reporter, anchor, and Public Affairs Director. In that role, he hosted weekly talk programs as well as produced and anchored a Sunday program entitled “Montage.” His social issues documentaries won several awards for WLOS, including the Alfred P. Sloan Award for an alcohol abuse documentary; the N.C. School Bell Award for education-focused programs; and the Order of the Longleaf Pine from former N.C. Governor Bob Scott. After leaving the broadcast field, he became a partner in Stroupe/Donehower Advertising in Asheville, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Stroupe served on numerous community organization boards, among them the Asheville Art Museum, the Asheville/Buncombe Community Relations Board, the Appalachian Heritage Committee, and the Citizens Committee for Better Schools. While living in Fletcher, NC, he was a member of the Fletcher Town Planning Board. In addition to his civic duties, he enjoyed listening to and playing music (guitar and keyboard), photography (during his many trips to Europe), genealogy, and anything having to do with cars. Mr. Stroupe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irmgard Lang Stroupe, and his daughter Marla Stroupe, both residing in Pawleys Island. Per his wishes, no public service is planned. Interment will be in the family plot in the Cane Creek community near Asheville. The family wishes to thank the Promedica Hospice nurses and bereavement counselor who assisted Mr. Stroupe during his illness. Memorials may be made to Baskervill Food Pantry, 99 Baskervill Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Tributes

William Eugene Stroupe Jr

November 14, 1933 - February 21, 2023