SMSgt. (Ret) Robert "Bob" Edward Stroud

SMSGT (RET.) ROBERT "BOB" EDWARD STROUD, 83, of Jacksonville, Ark., stepped out of time/space and into eternity 6 March 2018. Bob Stroud is the son of Robert Vernon "Ham" Stroud and Mattie Pauline "Nanny" (Dennis) Stroud. He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Helen Armona Stroud. Two sons: Robert Mark [wife Ginny] and Barry [wife Lydia]. Five grandchildren: Jarrod [wife Olivia], Travis [wife Chanel], Lance [wife Lindsey], Natalie [husband Riley], and Lissa [husband Phillip]. Ten great-grandchildren: Kiara, Braden, Madalyn, Elijah, Claire, Chase, Gwendelynne, Alexas, Lillian and Meredith. He also had a distinct friend/dog Jack. Bob's priorities were clearly established; faith, family, friends, and country. Born and raised on the banks of the Mississippi river in Wickliffe, Ky., Bob Stroud lived out the "Huckleberry Finn" story by Mark Twain. On August 6, 1956, Bob married the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Helen Armona Lowery. Bob would affectionately let everyone know, Helen was his sugar. Sixty-two years married, is a standing testament to their solid covenant vows. In 1958 the USAF moved Bob and Helen to Jacksonville, Ark., ever after called home. Bob enjoyed hunting with friends, daily cups of coffee with his Christian brothers, and living the Bible. Bob and Helen both enjoyed fishing for crappie and camping. But most of all, together they cherished the Friday nights spent with their best friends on earth. Bob became a rabid Razorback fan, and for decades was a scholarship donor. During Bob's twenty plus years of service to our country, he earned numerous college degrees, and participated in the Korean and Vietnam War's. Over the years he was stationed at thirty bases all over the world. He received the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), National Defense Service, Air Force Good Conduct, Army Good Conduct, Vietnam Service medals, and more. His duties in the USAF spanned many airframes as an Aircraft Electronics Specialist, Electrician, Technician and Superintendent. His duties in the Titan II Missile field included Missile Electrical Repairman, Technician, Supervisor and Electrical Shop Superintendent. In Vietnam he became an Air Cargo Specialist; and just before retirement he was an Air Transportation Supervisor. Bob created Stroud TV repair at their house in the early seventies. In 1976 that venture became Stroud TV & Audio Inc., then expanded into a highly respected statewide commercial business. Bob's sales and service business supported Jacksonville, and Arkansas, for over twenty successful years. The business motto was; "Jesus Saves, we repair" and he lived that priority with integrity. He was a charter member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He faithfully served the body of Christ for over forty years as deacon. When Landmark leadership changed, Bob moved to First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Every time the doors were open, he was there. His brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church; are a vibrant example of Christ's body being alive and lovingly active on earth today. Bob was known for his quick wit, profound wisdom, spiritual advice, and encouraging mentorship. He had a special talent of motivating people to do what they didn't want to, but knew they needed to. Bob finally dedicated all his efforts to serving the people of Jacksonville. He was a walking encyclopedia regarding city code and procedures. He regularly visited City Hall and talked with the City's people, various officials and the Mayor – he served under Mayor Tommy Swaim from 2001-2009 and Mayor Gary Fletcher in 2009. He served on the Parks and Recreation Commission from 1989 to 1997. He helped establish a City Athletic Department that oversaw baseball, softball and soccer fields. He served as Councilman/Alderman Ward 4, Position 2 from 2001 to 2012. Bob wrote instructions on conducting prayer before commission meetings. He served on the following committees: Code Enforcement, Solicitation, Recreation, Sanitation, Beautification, and Sign Ordinance. He was an integral part of the Jacksonville Education Foundation and April 2001 he sponsored Resolution 547 supporting House Bill 1882 to create a separate school district for the City. In April 2001 he spearheaded a Joint Annual Planning meeting with the Planning Commission and City Council through legislation and supported the use of an outside facilitator for annual planning purposes. For 10 years, he worked closely with the City of Jacksonville's Planning Commission to ensure progressive development of the city. In 2001, he spearheaded efforts and sponsored legislation leading to Ordinance 1155 establishing the Farmer's Market. In June 2001, Bob sponsored the Code Enforcement Revisions with Ordinance 1154. He worked on the Solicitation Committee which led to Ordinance 1169 of 2001 Amending Rules and Regulations for Itinerant Merchants and Vendors. Bob was involved in the litter reduction initiative and worked to eliminate ugly signs around the city – he was often seen driving around the City on his yellow scooter, pulling up illegal signs and dropping them off on the front yard of City Hall. Bob also regularly walked the length of West Main picking up litter to do his part to beautify the City. He participated in an ordinance banning Bull dogs from the City. Bob served on the Community Bank Advisory Board, the Jacksonville Museum Advisory Board and supported the Reed's Bridge Foundation. In 2009, he co-sponsored with Mayor Gary Fletcher the Nuisance Abatement policy, resulting in Ordinance 1381. Bob worked with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on development of Jacksonville's gun range on Graham Road. He worked on the planning and development of the Police and Safety Complex on Marshall Road. Bob was instrumental in establishing the Waste Management Scholarship Program. He also contributed many other actions that benefited the City. After serving as Alderman, he served on the State Civil Service Commission and the Hospital Board. He remained current on matters affecting society and was a frequent contributor to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where he provided commentary to local, state and national issues. Shortly before his passing, Bob Stroud reflected on his City and its people: "It was fun; it was my home town... If it was for the good of Jacksonville, I was for it, if it was against the good of Jacksonville's Citizens, I was against it. But those who didn't always agree with me tended to become my greatest friends with time. We've got a good city – people get on the boards and run for office to do good things, and they work hard at it, and I hope that does not change..." Bob's favorite phrase was: "Catch you on the flip-flop!" The family wishes to express a special thank you to Davita North Little Rock, Baptist Health Medical Center: Springhill ICU and Critical Care, St. Vincent's Hospice staff and Home Hospice teams for the love and care shown to Bob during his illness. Memorials in Bob's memory may be made to Hospice or to Gideon's International. Funeral services will be 10am, Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville with Pastor Robert Mark Stroud officiating. Interment will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Monday, March 12, 2018 at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home (501)982-2136 Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.