J.C. Stroble

Obituary For J.C. Stroble

SPARTANBURG, SC - John Cecil Stroble, 71, affectionately known as JC, was welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and his Savior on Monday, August 26, 2013 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. JC, a native of Spartanburg County, was a graduate of Lincoln High School. His career at the world-famous Beacon Drive-In began in 1956 at the age of 14, and spanned over 57 years. While he will be remembered by many Beacon patrons for his unique calling style and gentle personality, he also was a former employee of the bygone Spartan Grain Mill and Draper Manufacturing plants. Through the years, JC established himself as the Beacon Drive-In icon and Spartanburg's famed "Beacon Barker" through his signature "Call It!" and "It's fine to pass in line" order taking that keep everyone entertained and the food flying to trays as ordered. His personalized barking of orders to listening cooks and commands to bemused crowds resulted in a unique drive-in experience that gained national recognition. While JC's appearances on national televised news networks and food shows solidly established his iconic notoriety, he remained humbled and modest. JC greeted all kindly and enthusiastically - from politicians to business leaders to highly recognized entertainers to hardworking everyday individuals. JC enjoyed and was opened to casual conversations and picture taking with Spartanburg natives and visitors from across the globe. JC's community involvements include member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, South-side Lions Club and Forest Park Neighborhood Association. Additionally, JC was actively involved with the founding and fundraising activities of the JC Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation (www.jcstroblefoundation.org). The Foundation, launched April 11, 2008, mission is to provide eye care education and to raise awareness about eye diseases. Also, JC's philanthropic service included serving as a guest of honor and speaker for numerous academic, business and civic functions. JC was a devoted husband, loving father, supportive grandfather and a gentleman to everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Carrie Lee Stroble; three sisters, Wille Mae Smith, Ruth Pollard, and Helen Jack; one brother, Edward Stroble; and his mother in-law, Gertrude Dawkins Brown, whom he cherished and loved. He is survived by his wife, Robay, whom he enjoyed 50 years plus of marriage to; four children, Jekeithlyn Stroble Ross, Melvin (Desiree) Stroble, CDR Kelvin Stroble, JAGC, USN and Robay "Nikki" Stroble-Lucas; seven grandchildren, Sydnie, Jaylin, Savannah, Selena, Abbie, Melvin, Jr., and Kelly; four siblings, James (Ethel) Stroble, Virginia (Napoleon) Black, Shirley Stroble Harris, and Lucinda (Ronald) Benjamin; two sons-in-law, Jimmy Ross and Shelton Lucas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks to the staff of Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Beacon Drive-In, City of Spartanburg, Cornerstone Baptist Church, JW Woodard Funeral Home, Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and the community-at-large. The tremendous outpouring of love and support provided to the family by each of you makes us proud that we shared a husband and father with the world. JC will lie in state for public viewing from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, August 30, 2013 at the Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 South Converse Street, Spartanburg, SC. The family will receive friends during the public viewing from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the Cornerstone Baptist Church. Bishop Charles J.J. Jackson, III will officiate. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Capital Building Campaign, 700 South Converse Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. (www.cbconthegrow.com) and JC Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation, Post Office Box 2202, Spartanburg, SC 29304. (www.jcstroblefoundation.org) Arrangements are under the direction of JW Woodward Funeral Home, 594 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.