of Little Rock, AR
April 3, 1958 - January 9, 2021
Rickey Joe Nordrum (Big Rick), age 62, of Little Rock, left his earthly body and went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Rick was born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, on April 3, 1958, to Joe and Ilene Nordrum. The family remained in California until his teenage years. After his father's retirement from the United States Navy, the family moved to Mountain Home where he met his future wife, Dreena Strausbaugh. They were married on January 24, 1976, at the Church of the Nazarene by Rev. Royal Schultz and their family soon grew.
They moved to central Arkansas in 1977 and raised their three children in the Natural Steps and Roland areas. Rick was a man of many talents and had various careers throughout his life. He was a painter at Champion boats, a railcar repairman, a farmhand at Haskin's horse farm, an over the road truck driver, a backhoe operator at his father's business Nordrum Construction, a leadman over his own crew of railcar repairmen, and a painter for fire and water damage restoration companies. At the end of his life, he was the farm manager for the Bale family farms. He loved Johnny and Sharon Bale immensely.
Rick was known to always work seven days a week because he wanted to provide the best of everything he possibly could for his family. He made it his life's work to be a great provider and supporter in any time of need for his family and friends alike. Hobbies Rick enjoyed were hunting, fishing, bee keeping, raising chickens and ducks, cooking, gardening, and being a prankster.
Rick is survived by his immediate family, Dreena Nordrum (Little Rock), Stacy and Robby Benson (Bigelow), Anthony and Casey Nordrum (Jonesboro), his sisters and their spouses, Yvonne and Dennis Kackley (Furlow), Lisa and Kevin Marty (Cabot), his step-mother Wanda Nordrum (Furlow), 12 grandchildren to which he was known as "Big Papaw" including Josie and Jayden Nordrum who he had been raising since 2010, various nieces and nephews, and many friends that loved him. Rick was most recently preceded in death by his son Rickey (Little Rick), his parents Joe and Ilene, and his favorite uncle John.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Roller-Chenal funeral home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR (501) 224-8300 with Brother Brent Guenther officiating. A visitation will be from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, January 15, 2021, at the funeral home.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
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23 Condolence(s)
josie
Monday, February 1, 2021
i love you papa.
Jim Elliott
Saturday, January 16, 2021
I have the fondest of memories of Rick and the entire Nordrum family. Rick and I met in 1973 in California. Our teen years were spent going to the beach, motorcycle riding, working with Joe, and just hanging out at the Nordrum household. Rick was a fun-loving, hard working young man. May he be at peace with the love and grace of our Lord.
Sherry Bolton
Friday, January 15, 2021
o the family of Rickey, to Lisa and Yvonne and their families: We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We hold the entire Nordrum family in great regard. What a grand reunion we will all have one day over in gloryland! Ralph and Roylene (Schultz) Smith, Jim, Sherry, Jared and Joshua Bolton
Tommy Carraro
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Rest in peace my brother. I am so greatful to have been a part of your family. Never have I ever felt so welcome. They never judged me and believed in strong family morals. Tell Rickey "hey" for me!
Love and miss you!!!!!
Amanda Brucks
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
I am Jayden’s English teacher and I taught Josie last year. I just want you all to know I am praying for you. Please call me any time if there is anything I can do to help. These kids are very special to me.
Love-
Amanda Brucks
Deena Nordrum
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
I M LOST ... .WITHOUT YOU RICK!!!..ðŸ˜ðŸ’”ðŸ˜. THIS IS A NIGHTMARE COME TO LIFE!..
IT IS GOING TO BE SO WEIRD NOT SEEING YOUR FACE OR HEARING YOUR VOICE EVERYDAY!. FRIDAY JANUARY 8 2020, U TOLD ME HOW MUCH U LOVED ME & U WERE SO VERY SORRY FOR ANYTHING & EVERYTHING U HAD EVER DONE TO HURT ME!. ITS LIKE U KNEW, IN YOUR SOUL, GOD WAS CALLING U HOME & WE NEEDED TO TALK &&& WE DID!!!.. HE SAID..." WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!.. " I LOVE YOU BABY &&& OH MY GOD... I M GOING TO MISS YOU WITH EVETY BREATH I TAKE!!!..ðŸ˜ðŸ’”ðŸ˜ðŸ’”ðŸ˜ðŸ’”😠I KNOW RICKEY WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU, ALONG WITH UR MOM & DAD & UNCLE JOHN!!.. WHAT A REUNION!!!.. 💜 UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN BABY#!!!!!... 💜💔ðŸ˜ðŸ’”ðŸ˜ðŸ’”ðŸ˜ðŸ’”💜
💙****** I LOVE YOU RICK******💙
Vickie Weatherford
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
You was the most caring man I ever knew.You would help no matter what time.You and Dreena was there if I needed y'all.Sure will miss seeing you.If y'all need anything please let me know. Love y'all. Vickie Weatherford.
David Hudson
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Yes He Was A Hard Worker.and A Fine Man. He will be Missed.
William Krone
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Rest in peace big Rick our prayers are with your family see you on the other side
Autumn Dudley
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
I met Rick through my friend and his daughter, Stacy. He was always so kind and funny and treated me like a friend he had known his entire life. He was such a wonderful and self-less person especially with his family and friends. The family is in my prayers and I am so grateful to have known Rick, even if only for a short time. Love you guys.
Carmen R Osborne
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Thank you for everything you have done for me, personally and as a whole for my kids and Rickey and I when we were together. You were a wonderful grandfather! Rest in Peace and In Love.
Richard Jensen and Kathy Jensen
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Thoughts and Prayers for the family!
Kathy Nordrum Aday
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Ricky Joe was my first friend.. we were babies together while our dads were in the navy....I’m gonna miss knowing he was there and I could call anytime...his hugs were magical... when he hugged you your whole body came off the ground... fly high with the angels... love you Ricky Joe....â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Robert Hoover
Monday, January 11, 2021
So sorry Rick left us so soon. He was always good to me and treated me with honor and respect. He will be missed. Prayers, Hugs and loves to all his family members.
Ronald jj benson
Monday, January 11, 2021
Rest In Peace brother love you
Linda George Kam
Monday, January 11, 2021
I have nothing but fond memories of Rick and his family. Friendly and always ready to help one in need. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. God be with you in the coming days.
Nina Lloyd Peevey
Monday, January 11, 2021
I'm sorry for your loss. I love each of you and am praying for you all. I have always loved him and Dreena from the first time I met them. Gone but not forgotten. Love and prayers
Donna Whitaker
Monday, January 11, 2021
Rick, was a cousin who also felt like a brother, it is hard to believe he is gone. I always knew I could count on him, anytime. My Dad also knew if he needed anything Rick was there. One of my last conversations with my Dad before he passed away last month he wanted to know “where is Rick I thought he would be here. Rick and his Uncle John are together now.
Once when Dad was in the hospital Rick came and sat with us all day while Dad was having surgery. I offered to buy lunch, when we got to the cafeteria Rick paid. I tried to pay or give him money and he said don’t you try and steal my blessing, this is on me. I will never forget all the times he was there with a hug or a kind word.
Rick was loved by us all. Rick loved his family and was there for them. I know he is walking the streets of gold and what a reunion he is having in heaven with those that went before. This isn’t goodbye it’s see you later.
Donna
Ricky Boyles
Monday, January 11, 2021
Praying for Ricks wife and kids and grandkids
Angel Strausbaugh
Monday, January 11, 2021
I love you and will always love you so much. Why the ones we love the most go so soon. I thank you , uncle Rick for always being there with ur big hugs when i needed you the most. No matter how far away you were , you were always there to remind us how much we were loved. Your crazy jokes at a time of need as well as your hugs an love. You are and always will make a huge impact on our lives . You can never be replaced and left an impact on my life. You felt my hurt and gave the best love and always reassured me how everything was gonna be okay. From far and near. You were the father figure and mentor i always needed at times . You raised an amazing family that i keep and will always keep close to my heart. ( my family)I know my family is heart broken. But now with god you can rest easy and be with cuz ricky. I never wanted you to leave , but know, we no lil Ricky will never be alone. Please watch over us all. Esp.. Aunt Dreena whom loves you dear. Cuz Anthony whom you showed to be an amazing man and father and Cuz Stacey whom is your baby girl and u told her the sky was the limit an she has went so far to reach it . Your knowledge and wisdom and your love made this family whom they are . All your grandbabies love you. And cherish everything you have taught. Just always remember how much we all love you please. And never for get us!!! Rest In Heaven Uncle Rick
Lisa Marty
Monday, January 11, 2021
My heart his broken. I never imagined life without my big brother. You were alway there when I needed you. I am so proud I was the one God chose to be your baby sister. Love you always ~ Lisa
Terry Quinn
Monday, January 11, 2021
Rick was a wonderful man. He will be missed greatly! Always thinking of others!
Rest In Peace RickðŸ™
Robbie Hudson
Monday, January 11, 2021
Sending prayers