David Vinson Stroud passed away on April 2, 2019. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Hallie Sims Stroud, and his brother Gerald Jack Stroud, he is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Browning and son-in-law Wes Browning, his sister Mattie Louise Stroud Cole, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
Born in Mineola, Texas on August 10, 1924, Dave was the son of Clarence Jack and Mary Mattie West Stroud. He grew up on his family’s farm, leaving after high school to move to Houston, taking a job with Houston Shipbuilding Corporation.
He enlisted in the Army in 1942 as a private, but was commissioned as a first lieutenant after completing Officers’ Candidate School. He served in World War II and the Korean conflict, and attended other elite officers’ training programs during his tenure in the military. In 1954, “for meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy” in Korea, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Among his other responsibilities while in the Army, Dave taught ROTC at Texas A&M, becoming a staunch fan of A&M football in the process.
Following his retirement from the Army in 1964, Dave launched a second career in business as a sales executive at Robbins-Dean Food Brokerage.
Colleagues in the Army and in private business saw Dave as a mentor and friend, describing him as a man of integrity and high principles who inspired them and whose example and guidance helped to make them better people. His leadership skills and talents continued to be in demand following his retirement from the business world, when he and Hallie moved from Houston to Pearland. He served as president of the home owners association for Country Place, in leadership positions in the three RV clubs that they joined, and – more recently – directed the employee appreciation program at Brookdale Senior Living, to which he had moved in 2014.
The two most important events of Dave’s personal life took place in 1946, 1957, and 2016, respectively. First was his marriage to Hallie, whom he called the “love of his life.” The second was when “Becky Ann” (as Dave lovingly called her) made his and Hallie’s family complete. Finally, he described the January day, a few months after his 91st birthday, when he walked Becky down the aisle and welcomed Wes as his son-in-law, as “the happiest day of his life.”
He lived life to the fullest, and was active and fully engaged throughout his entire 94 years. He loved getting to know people, traveling across the U.S., visiting national and state parks, playing both friendly and competitive bridge, boating, and a host of other activities. He avidly followed current events and had an informed and definite opinion on what was going on around him.
While at Brookdale, David met and formed a sweet and strong relationship with Carole Willis, who was devoted to him until the end. They enjoyed visiting with family and friends and traveling together on cruises.
Describing Dave, family and friends have used descriptions that include “my hero,” “valued mentor,” “role model,” and “best friend anyone could have.” He had a genuine and strong faith, working diligently throughout his life to do the right thing, while turning the rest over to God.
The twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes, his quick laugh, his dry sense of humor, and his ongoing love of life will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of David Stroud be made to:
Paralyzed Veterans of America
801 18th St, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Or
Houston Hospice
1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030
Notification to: Rebecca Browning, 8982 Chatsworth Drive, Houston, TX 77024 or [email protected]
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