Richard Charles Strode II, age 46, passed away August 1, 2016 after a long illness. He was the son of Richard Charles Strode of Huntington and Judy Russell Strode of Isle of Palms, SC. He was a graduate of Marshall University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree. Richie was an accomplished artist and award winning pet groomer. He was a strong dedicated athlete and played numerous sports during his younger years in Huntington. He became involved with animal advocacy while living in Charleston, SC and working for the Federal Correction Agency. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Mary Catherine (Charles) Strode and TK Strode and his maternal grandmother Josephine Russell.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters Lisa Hedgecock (Jeff) of Huntington, WV and Susan Bednar (Jared) of Isle of Palms, SC.  Richie was a wonderful uncle to his nieces Meredith Hedgecock Brennan (Tyler) of Annapolis, MD , Savega Bednar of Isle of Palms, SC and his nephew Kruz Bednar also of Isle of Palms, SC. He is survived by a great niece Sadie Elizabeth Brennan, two aunts, Doris Swineford (Homer), Vermillion, Ohio, Joyce Pickard (Del), Holly, MI, his uncle George Russell (Carol) Hilton Head, SC and many cousins. He leaves behind a very special pet Macaw named Francis who is known and loved by all who have encountered him. There will be visitation with the family from 12:30 to 3:30 on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington. A private ceremony for the scattering of the ashes will be in South Carolina at Folly Beach. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a No Kill Animal Shelter of your choice.