Jimmie Riley Stradford, Sr. was born in Fairfield, Texas on October 2, 1927. He was the third child and second son born to the parentage of Eddie and Mabel Perry Stradford, Sr. As his father was a deacon in the church and his mother a Sunday school teacher, Jimmie willingly accepted Christ at an early age. Jimmie grew up in a family that consisted of his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Not only did he love the Lord, he loved his family, the Fairfield country air, his black angus cows, and the home-grown fruits and vegetables.
Jimmie attended Mt. Zion Elementary School where his favorite teacher was his mother, Mrs. Mable Stradford. His secondary education and graduation were from Booker T. Washington High School in Teague, Texas. After high school, Jimmie attended Prairie View University for two years.
In 1946 Jimmie enlisted in the Army where he received the rank of corporal. After his military enlistment was over, he moved to Dallas, Texas where he found employment at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a wireman. In 1952, Jimmie met the love of his life, Litha Gray. They married on October 27, 1953 and became the parents of four children, two girls and two boys.
Though living in the big city for most of his adult life, Jimmie never forgot his roots and always went home to Fairfield, Texas on weekends, every family gathering, and just because he loved that small city. Jimmie retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after thirty five years. Because he truly believed in the work ethic and providing for his family, Jimmie also owned his own family business, Try-Us-Janitor Service, for over forty years.
Jimmie suffered through years of various illnesses and was confined to his bed in the last three years, but he never lost his sense of humor, his sweet and kind nature, and above all, he never lost his appetite. Those sweets and desserts always put a huge smile on his face. In the early morning hours of October 12, 2018, Jimmie knew it was time to leave his family on earth in his sweet chariot and join his Heavenly family, especially his baby, Litha.
Jimmie leaves to mourn his children, Renita Berry (Bernard), Dwain Stradford, Christi Bell (Eric); four grandchildren, Shamon Polk (Fabian), Stephen Berry (Jewel), Kennedi Mayes, Natalee Mayes; two sisters, Corrie Wilson, Rheu Dell House; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Stradford, Carolyn, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his wife, Litha Gray Stradford; son, Jimmy Stradford, Jr.; father, Eddie Stradford, Sr.; mother, Mabel Perry Stradford; brothers, Murford Stradford, Eddie Stradford and George Stradford.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Greater Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, 9333 Ferguson Road, Dallas, Texas 75228. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the church.