"Bud" Stradley was a much beloved husband, father, mentor, and Papa.  Bud went home to the arms of Jesus Christ on July 5, 2022, following hospitalization and rehab in Ft. Worth, Texas.  While those who knew the inimitable Bud Stradley are deeply saddened by the loss of a powerful Prayer Warrior and devoted Encourager, we are rest assured that he is laughing joyously on the streets of gold, likely with a rubber duckie in hand!

Bud often commented that loyal pastors are known by their smell, and he certainly smelled—figuratively, of course—like a sheep.  He liked to reference the Biblical scripture of shepherds knowing their sheep and their sheep knowing their shepherds!

Bud faithfully served as Pastoral Minister/Elder at Cross Timbers Community Church in Argyle for the past 20+ years.  Weekend services will always be fondly remembered by Bud's delightful personality—his witty jokes, bear hugs, and power prayers.  Similarly, his "Jesus with Skin On" persona was consistently on display during his weekly Geezer Gang luncheons, marriage counseling sessions, and prayer meetings:  these activities influenced the countless participants to a true understanding and experience in the Lord's grace and mercy.

Prior to Cross Timbers, Bud served as elder and founder of Christ Fellowship's Denton, Texas site.  While at Christ Fellowship, Bud thoroughly enjoyed his service to the collection of college-aged young couples, singles, and mature believers.  He diligently worked to invest constructively in the Denton spiritual community.  Bud's work as Spiritual Rector for the Tres Dias (Three Days) interdenominational group allowed him to build up men within the North Texas area, many of whom went on to become consistent participants and servant leaders within their communities.  Bud was honored to facilitate numerous marriage and funeral services throughout the years as families loved and trusted him with their most important life events.

Those who were fortunate enough to relish his company would agree that his quick wit and generosity of spirit reflected the true essence of Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus."

The Lord fully blessed Bud with an innate ability to lead sinners to the grace, mercy, and love of his Savior Jesus Christ.

William Lamar Stradley was born to Forrest Wyatt and Hetty Jane Stradley on October 20, 1940, in Borger, Texas, and married his long-time bride and love of his life, Jeanette "Jan" Bell, in April of 1960.  Bud graduated from Amarillo's Tascosa High School and attended Abilene Christian University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Bud's corporate work experience with Ford Motor Company, Fidelity Advertising, Farmer-Stockman Publishing, Hesston Corp., and primarily Progressive Farmer Magazine (Time-Warner, Inc.) led the couple to residencies in various venues, including Detroit, Memphis, Wichita, Chicago, Austin, and North Texas.  Following a 30+ year career at Progressive Farmer, Bud held various positions as an advertising director, national sales manager, and general manager.

Bud is preceded in death by his son Paige, and brothers Paul, John Stradley, as well as his parents Wyatt and Hettie Stradley.  Bud is survived by his wife, Jan Stradley of Ft. Worth, as well as his son, Brad and his wife Dana of Port Charlotte, Florida, his grandson Collin Stradley and spouse Arista, of Canyon, Texas, and his sister Chloe Webb of Ft. Worth.

A Celebration of Bud's Life will be held at Cross Timbers Community Church in Argyle, Texas, on July 16, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, all are invited to honor Bud's legacy with a donation to SOS International.  Bud's heart and passion for helping trafficked children to find freedom and restoration led many to call him a Champion for Children and the future.

Your donations made in Bud's memory will complement the powerful advocate's extraordinary contributions to improving the lives of at-risk children throughout the world.

https://sosresponds.org/?form= bud-stradley