Obituary of Reid W. Stroud

Rev. Reid W. Stroud, 81, of Mount Joy, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, entered into his Savior's arms surrounded by his daughters on Saturday morning, July 2, 2016 at Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community in Manheim following a brief illness. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Richard A. and M. Elizabeth Pinkerton Stroud. He was the husband of the late Darlene Wilkenson Stroud for 56 years before her passing in 2014. Reid was raised in the Tioga neighborhood of Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown High School in 1952. He served in the United States Merchant Marine. He earned a B.A. in Communications from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, and attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He received a Master's of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore. Reid served a circuit of three churches in central Kentucky as a student pastor and from 1964-1998 he served eight United Methodist congregations in Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester counties. His heart for Christ and neighbor led him to serve on various boards. He was passionate about history and education, and received a special joy in his grandchildren, having just officiated his grandson's wedding in May. He is survived by three daughters, Doretta Beisel (Edward Pickul) of Bensalem, Rebecca Hansell of Horsham, and Rachael, wife of Hyun Kang, of Horsham; eight grandchildren, Erin, Sara, Louis IV, husband of Crista, Leah, Nathanael, Abigal, fiancée of Joseph Moya, Marisa, and Jadyn; five great grandsons; a brother, Richard, husband of Carole Stroud, of South Windsor, CT; and extended family. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11:00 am at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, 110 Durlach Road, Ephrata, PA. The family will receive guests at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until the time of the service. There will be no viewing. Private interment will be in Manheim Fairview Cemetery, Manheim. Please omit flowers. In memory of his loving wife, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638. To watch a webcast of the service beginning the day following the service or to express a condolence with the family, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.