Tommy “Tom” Ray Stroud, age 82, Passed away on November 28, 2024 in Round Rock Texas. Tom was born in Marlin Texas on March 26, 1942.
Tom was very proud of his military service. Serving as a Captain in the USAF. He loved to talk about the various planes he flew as well as some of the battles he participated in during the Vietnam War. He recently was recognized for orchestrating a daring rescue to save another soldier. This is detailed in the book “Pennies from Vietnam,” by Tracy Smith. Tom was honored to be a part of this book and have his story told. He bought several copies and passed them out to his children.
After he retired from the Air Force, he focused on an accounting career that would last for decades. He enjoyed his work immensely, especially helping so many folks navigate taxes and tax season.
His other love was being part of his church community. He felt it his calling to be not just a member, but a participant. Often, he volunteered as treasurer for some of the smaller churches he attended over the years. But his passion was singing in the choir. You would always see him standing in the choir loft singing his heart out. St. Philip’s Methodist Church of Round Rock was his church home for the last 38 years.
Tom loved his family including his three children, their spouses, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He adored all of them and loved to spend time with them whenever he could. You could often find him gathered at one of his children’s homes watching his favorite football teams, the Baylor Bears, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father, Annie and Dick Stroud. As well as his granddaughter Amanda Irish. He is survived by his children: Judy Irish, her husband Scott and children Ben, his wife Teresa and daughter Chelsea; and Jackson; His son Jim Stroud, his wife Mendi, their daughter Carson, her husband Russ and daughter Sarah; their sons Connor and Colin; His daughter Nancy Beck, her husband Greg, their daughters Katie, Jordan and Sarah.
His family is saddened at this loss. Tom will be deeply missed. His passion, his humor, his story telling left a mark on us all. His spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
Pat Payne: “It’s a Thursday afternoon in 1957 and the powerful West Jr High football ball team is smashing another opponent. Scrubs Ralph Klatt and Pat Payne are sitting next to each other on the bench. Our goal is to play enough quarters to earn a letter jacket. That was pretty much a prerequisite to attract a girlfriend. Late in the 4th quarter coach Knipper sends me in. Wearing #44, still my favorite number, I trotted onto the field and joined the team huddle. QB Tommy Carter looked at me and asked did the coach send in a play. My eyes widened, the coach did say something but I can’t remember. Still an issue in 2025! Carter says never mind. Then John Thomas Davis, our star running back wearing #1, looks at Carter and nods toward me. Tommy then calls play “left 24”. WOW that’s a running play for me behind the left tackle, Tommy Stroud. Just as the huddle broke Stroud looks at me and says, “keep an eye on me. I’ll either tap my right or left leg signaling which way I’ll block the opposing player in front of me.” I ran through the huge hole Tommy blocked, made a cut to the right gaining about 5 yards when I was tackled and fumbled the ball. Yes, Tommy Stroud recovered it. Several plays later we scored a touchdown. In those days the teams ran for the extra point and once again “Left 24” was called. I took the handoff and made the extra point once again behind Stroud’s block.
So wonderful to learn that Tommy lived a wonderful and admirable life.”
Bev Murphy Wells: “It’s always sad to hear of another loss. Sincere sympathy for Tom’s family, friends, and church family.”
David Dibb: “Wow! not sure how old that photo is, but if it’s recent, Tommy sure didn’t age much in 60+ years.”