Mr. Christopher Richard Stroud, 31, of Hope, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2008, at his home. Chris was born on July 15, 1977 in Hope, Arkansas. Survived by his parents: Jan Rhodes and Jim, Hope; Richard Stroud and Carol, Hope; one brother, Nick Hammond and Marti, Hope; one nephew, Trent Hammond, Hope; one brother-at-heart, Jason Helms, Hope; maternal grandmother, Elva Smith, Prescott, Ark.; paternal grandparents, George R. and Donnie Stroud, Hope; three uncles, Greg Stroud and Allison, Marianna, Ark.; Mike Smith and Maureen, Little Rock, Ark.; David McDonald and Kay Thomas, Prescott; three aunts, Kelly Holybee, Hope; Donna Graham, Little Rock, Ark.; Bobbie Blevins, Prescott; maternal step-grandmother, Pat Rhodes, Hope; paternal step-grandmother, Peggy Spell, Blevins, Ark.; and many other relatives and friends. Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Billy Bob Smith, Aunt Cheryl McDonald, Uncle Harvey Blevins and Cousin Scott Green. He was a member of White Oak Grove Baptist Church, DeAnn and a musician and former band member of New Jack and The Rippers. He had a life-long passion and love for music, playing bass guitar with many bands during his musical career. He will be remembered for his strength and courage during his battle with cancer and his love for his family and friends. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 27, 2008, at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home Chapel, Hope, Ark., with Rev. Neal Ridling and Rev. John Nations officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Prescott, Arkansas. Arrangements by Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas. Family will receive friends: Friday, December 26, 2008, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to: Baptist Carti, 9500 Kanis Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 Online Guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com