John W. Stroud

John William Stroud, Fairview Heights, formerly Gainesville, Florida, left this earth to claim our Lord’s promise of everlasting life on December 27, 2013. His life was a testament to his tremendous faith and his unconditional love for his family. Throughout his life he maintained a quiet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. He was a kind and gentle soul who taught all who knew him by example. John served many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Winstanley Baptist Church, Fairview Heights. He also served as a deacon at Westside Baptist Church, in Gainesville, drove the church bus and taught preschool children. Many special hours were spent in “Mr. John’s bus”.

He was born in Browns Crossing near Milledgeville, Georgia on June 26, 1929, the son of Arthur John and Roslyn Stroud. John attended the University of Florida as an undergraduate and received a PhD from Cornell University. He never lost his love of his Florida Gators and remained a loyal fan throughout his life. His professional life was spent in animal husbandry, retiring from Nutrition Service Associates Inc. in Belleville after more than 35 years.

John was preceded in death by his parents William and Roslyn, his mother and father in-law Harlie B. and Lucille Helms, his grandson, Sean Michael Rose and sister-in-law Cody Benner Helms.

John was a caring husband to his loving bride of 62 years, Frances H. Stroud; doting father to daughters Kathy and Jim Painter, Beth and Tim Tucker and Maggie McClane ; loyal brother to Ben and Carolyn Stroud, and George and Barbara Stroud, brothers-law Harlie Helms, Hugh and Lucia Helms, most proud grandfather to grandchildren Erik Painter, Josh and Angie Vick, Jason and Robin Vick, Kelly Rose and Blair Barkley; amazed great-grandfather to Caleb Vick, Carter Rose, Keegan Rose and Kaylee Vick; loving uncle and friend. Memorials are appreciated to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.

Friends may call on Monday, December 30, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. at Lake View Funeral Home. Service is on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at noon. Private interment at Lake View Memorial Gardens.