Obituary of MSgt Ret Joseph R. Stroud

MSgt Joseph R. Stroud (United States Air Force, Retired), age 94, of Ozark passed away in Cullman, Alabama, January 2, 2024. Funeral services for MSgt Stroud will be 2:00 P. M. Friday, January 12, 2024, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Greg Aman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. A private interment for MSgt Stroud will be held in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. MSgt Stroud was born January 5, 1929, in Chilton County, Alabama, to the late Louis and Ruby Williams Stroud. He served in the United States Air Force with assignments in Japan, Philippines and the United States. He retired in 1967 with the rank of Master Sergeant. His most rewarding assignment was from 1946–1950, in Japan, where he served as ground and aircrew member on the Douglas B-26 Invader, Attack Bomber with 13th Bomb Squadron Grim Reapers. MSgt Stroud became a faculty member with the Aviation College in Ozark, in 1968 serving as instructor, department chair and pilot; he also earned a Batchelor of Science degree from Troy University in 1975. He retired from the college in 1989. After retirement from the college, he became co-owner of Aviation Education Consultants in Ozark until 1996 when the business was sold. He enjoys the rare distinction of receiving the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award presented by the Federal Aviation Administration. He became a member of Lodge 305, Order of Free and Accepted Mason in Selma, Alabama in 1954; became Scottish Rite 32nd degree, Dothan, AL in 1973. He was also a member of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association and attended many reunions at various sites all over the U.S. He was a member of Ozark Baptist Church for 50 years and holds the title of Deacon Emeritus. In years past, he was active in Sunday school, served as leader of Discipleship Training Classes and various committees as well as active deacon board. He was a lifelong fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and brother. Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Patty Stroud; son Kent {Carolyn} Stroud of Charlotte, NC; daughter Cassy {Rusty} Green of Gardendale, AL; grandsons Zach Stroud {Morgan}of Cary, NC; Adam Stroud of Charlotte, NC; and Hayden Green {Katie}of Gardendale, AL; granddaughter Kaleigh {Andrew} Beard of Gardendale, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or to The Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.