ROBERT ROY “BOB” STROUD,
of North Little Rock, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020.
He was born in Little Rock, Ark. in March of 1922 to parents Roy and Erma, being the fourth of six children.
They moved to North Little Rock in 1927 where he attended school. During his early teens he began working in Little Rock, and then North Little Rock’s Main Street delivering prescription drugs on his bicycle for Economy Drug Store. After a variety of other jobs and at a young age, he met Mildred Francis Kordsmeier from Morrilton, Ark. They married on July 6, 1941 and soon had two daughters. During World War II he joined the US Navy and was then deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations. He served as a Seabee with the 148th Battalion working with both the Navy and the Marines involved in the last big operation of the Island Wars, the seizure of Okinawa. He remained in Buckner Bay, Okinawa, and served with honor and pride until the end of the war.
Following World War II, Bob returned to North Little Rock to his family and his new son. He also returned to Main Street and began work as a salesman for S& S Auto Parts Company. Ten years later he and Mildred became owner/operators of the company. They continued the very successful operation of S & S for 41 years and moved the store three times. Having retired at the age of 76, he spent a total of 60 years on North Little Rock’s Main Street. He liked to say, “I came to Main Street on a bicycle and left in a Cadillac.”
During this time, the Stroud family continued to grow by another three children and moved to Rose City and then Park Hill.
A very important part of Bob’s life was his membership in St. Patrick Catholic Church. All six of his children attended the parochial school and the church, where Bob was a member of Knights of Columbus and the Men’s Club. He contributed countless hours of volunteer time to make these organizations vibrant, strong, and successful.
After retirement he continued to participate in several organizations that helped build and preserve the town of North Little Rock. He also provided excellent comfort, care, guidance, and laughter for his family and friends. Bob had a passion for his family, bringing joy to all he encountered, and world-class storytelling. He was dedicated to St. Patrick and the city of North Little Rock.
Bob’s love for dance throughout his life never went unnoticed. He and Mildred, his beautiful wife of 66 years, frequented places to dance and were known to be the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. He attributed his long-term good health to dancing.
Family and friends have no doubt that he will be greeted with the welcoming words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant… Come, share your Master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:23)
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Kordsmeier Stroud; their son, Kenny Stroud; five siblings; and a daughter-inlaw, Karen Stroud. Survivors include three daughters, Marilyn (Chris) Garbacz, Libby (Nano) Turchi and Phyllis Stroud; two sons, Bob Stroud and Bill (Denise) Stroud; daughter-in-law, Gracia Stroud; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and his 100 year-old sister, Mildred E. Woods.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kenny Stroud Scholarship Fund c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, Union Station, Ste. 206, 1400 West Markham, Little Rock, Ark., 72201, or St. Patrick Catholic Church, 211 West 19th, North Little Rock 72114.
The Stroud family would like to give special thanks to the Little Rock and North Little Rock VA for excellent and loving care.
A private graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.