James Randy Stroud passed from this life November 7, 2022 and was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father. There he found much-deserved, perfect peace. Randy lived a life that is a true example of hard work and perseverance. His dedication to those he loved went far and above anything ordinary. He carried many titles:  Father, friend, protector, provider, hunting partner, fishing buddy, amateur carpenter, prankster, outdoorsman, and many many more. He played an important role to everyone in his life.

Randy was born February 15, 1954 to Royal Bryant and Ruby Opal Stroud. The youngest child he soon became a contributor to his family’s farm. He was spoiled by everyone in his life. He was a typical country boy. He lived for hunting from a very young age he loved going fishing with his Aunt Othal at Lake Millwood. He was a practical joker from a young kid and never missed out on an opportunity. His favorite prank , when he could get away with it, was dressing up in a gorilla suit and jumping out of a tree when his sister got home from work after dark. Many fell victim to his plastic snakes and pretend mice.

After graduating from Blevins High School in 1972 he attended Southern Arkansas University for a short while on a basketball scholarship. He moved back to Hope and within a few years started working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He was employed with Southwestern Bell and eventually AT&T for 36 years. Soon after retiring Randy decided retirement was not a lifestyle for him, just yet. He started working for Centurylink in Prescott, Arkansas. He worked for Centurylink a decade or so until he decided to “retire” again.  He began a full-time cattle business and continued that until fall 2021.

Eight to five wasn’t ever enough for Randy. Idle was never his nature. He was always building fence or bailing hay to provide for his family. He also farmed acres and acres of watermelons every year and sold them to the community. His children’s first jobs were taking those watermelons around their neighborhood in a little wagon and selling them for $1. He would try to recruit anyone he could to help with his watermelon crops. Not many could hold up to the kind of work he was used to and he lost many volunteers.

Randy was an auxiliary police officer for the Hope Police Department from August 1999 to January 2013. He served as a reserve sergeant. His dedication to the department was truly unmatched. Most nights of the week he was out patrolling beside officers after he had worked all day. He has always been much respected by the police officers of his community. He was always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. He was often recognized at police banquets and awarded for the unselfish time he gave.

Randy never met a stranger and used every opportunity for telling jokes and making things interesting. His laughter was contagious. He loved telling stories and showing pictures of his kids and grandkids to anyone that he ran into . His passion for hunting and fishing never ended. His best friend, the late Jeff Neal, was a Hempstead County Game and Fish Officer and they were, more often than not, teaming up in the woods or on a river or lake. He passed his infinite wisdom of pursuing all things nature to his children and countless friends and family members.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents Royal and Ruby. He is survived by his two older sisters Pat Chambless and June Stroud; his children Malissa Davis and Heath (Jamie) Stroud; his grandchildren Chandler, Isabel, Madilyn, Lincoln, Luna, and Barrett; his niece Lisa Chambless-Keeton; his nephew Scott Chambless, great-nieces, great-nephews, and all the cousins he’s so close to.

Randy will truly be missed. He has been so loved and respected throughout his life. He has left a legacy of wisdom and integrity that will be passed on for many lifetimes. He would be so proud to know what his own life has accomplished for so many and will continue to accomplish. The time he sewed into the lives of countless individuals will reap a harvest of blessing that will ensure his hard work was never in vain. Visitation will be 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday November 9, 2022 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest1001 South Main St. Hope Arkansas  Funeral services will be 10:00am on Thursday November 10, 2022, at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest with words of loved ones.  Burial to followat Holly Grove Cemetery officiated by Neal Ridling and a special ceremony by the Hope Police Department Honor Guard.   Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/OAKCREST The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel Director. Online condolences; www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com   

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