Richard M. "Ricky" Stroud Sr.

Richard ("Ricky") Miller Stroud, Sr. was born on May 17, 1946 and died April 25, 2015.

He is survived by his three children, Richard Stroud, Jr.; Cheryl Collins and her husband, Patrick Collins; Stephanie Symms and her husband, Mark Symms; and their mother, Patricia Melton; six grandchildren, Chelsea, Stephen, Michael, Ashley, Tyler and Christopher; three great-grandchildren, Parker, Wyatt and Claire; one brother George, one sister Barbara, a favorite aunt Judy, and uncle Jerry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Darden and Jessie Ruth, and his brother Cecil Gilbert.

Ricky took fashion advice from no one. He wore button up western shirts, wrangler jeans with his cowboy boots, belt buckle and his dearest friend, the black suede cowboy hat. When he wasn't all dressed up, he traded the cowboy hat for a worn out cap and the western shirt for a t-shirt. He was a fan of Louis L'Amour books and loved Clint Eastwood. When the weather was right, you could find him fishing on the river, or hunting during season. With a lot of blood, sweat and tears, he built the home he raised his children in and made many happy memories there. His children are certain if their dad had his way, he would have rather been placed in a chair as a guest at his own funeral, with a glass of jack in his hands, telling everyone as they exited, it's "ight" with that country twang in his voice.

A limb has fallen from the family tree

I hear a voice that whispers, 'Grieve not for me'

Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs

The good I lived while I was strong

Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you

Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest

Remembering all...how I was truly blessed

Continue traditions, no matter how small

Go on with your lives, don't stare at the wall

I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin

Until that fine day we're together again.