NEWTON, N.C.—Chauncey (Chip) Depew Stroup III, lifelong resident of Lincolnton, died peacefully in his sleep on August 9, 2026. He was 11 days shy of his 80th birthday.

Chip was born in Lincolnton, on August 20, 1946, to Chauncey Depew Stroup Jr. and Mary Nette Link Stroup. He attended Western Carolina University, where he studied art and majored in business. In 1970, Chip joined his father at First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Lincolnton, now First Federal Savings Bank, which was cofounded by C. D. Stroup Sr. in 1940. Chip became president in 1995, and under his leadership, the bank expanded, opening three additional branches in Boger City, Denver, and Vale between 2002 and 2013.

In 2013, the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce named Chip Man of the Year for his service to the community. He served as director for many organizations, including the YMCA, Lincoln County Community Foundation, Community Investment Corporation of North Carolina, Centralina Development Corporation, United Way for Lincoln County, and the local chapter of the American Red Cross. He donated his time and energy to the North Carolina Bankers Association’s Camp Challenge, the Young Scholars Institute, the Gaston College Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the Lincoln County Rotary Student Loan Fund. For decades, he was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, whose motto he personified: “service above self.”

Chip was known for his generosity and dedication: to his community, his colleagues, and his family. As a father he raised and encouraged four children to pursue their ambitions and confront life’s challenges with courage and integrity. He loved the outdoors, spending time on Lake Norman and adventuring in countless National Parks. He enjoyed building and fixing things, and could do anything he set his mind to.

He is predeceased by his father, Chauncey Depew Stroup Jr. (1917–1995), mother, Mary Nette Link Stroup (1918–2011), and sister, Mary Susan Stroup Tiller (1947–2022).

He is survived by his children, Jennifer Drew, Kristin Stroup, Jess Stroup, and Braden Stroup, and five grandchildren: Oliver Drew, Eliana Stroup, Theo Drew, Evelyn Stroup, and June Drew. 

The family will receive friends at Warlick Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. The family will then proceed to Hollybrook Cemetery for the burial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to honor Chip’s life donate to a charity that serves people in need in Lincolnton or their own community. A few he might suggest include the Lincoln County Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Christian Ministries, and the Lincoln County Rotary Student Loan Fund.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Stroup family.