Rayford Lee Stroud

CMSgt Rayford Stroud passed away May 25, 2018 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 74. Ray was a devoted husband and father whose loving support of his family was boundless. He spent much of life serving his country. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service and then served in the Texas Army National Guard for 22 years. Upon his retirement, he began a second career developing and teaching many technical education programs. He was active in the Wounded Warriors program and tireless in his contributions to the education world. A friend and mentor to all, he was a dedicated educator beloved by his students. He had a love of music, gardening, woodworking, military history, politics, and electronics technology.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Thelma Stroud; and siblings, Bill Stroud and Grace Stroud. He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Jeanette Stroud; son, Daren Stroud and wife, Villanka Zapata-Stroud; daughters, Angela-Stroud Espejo, Dena Stroud-Ahmann and husband, Patrick Ahmann; step-sons, Jason Greene and Brandon Norris; grandchildren, Ashley Thompson, Lauren Kruk, Christopher Espejo, Holly Ahmann, Alex Ahmann, McKayla Stroud, Derrick Stroud, Jayden Norris, and Zachary Norris; great-grandchildren, Victoria Thompson, Sophia Thompson, Calla Thompson, and Olivia Kruk.

His presence will be missed by all the lives he touched. He is in our hearts forever and we will cherish his memories. We love you…