STOKES
Our father and grandfather, Pat Stokes, passed peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in Santa Rosa Beach, FL at the age of 86, following a long illness.
A world traveler, military history buff, and student of God’s word, Dad’s knowledge of the Bible, jazz, and sports trivia was exhaustive as well as impressive.
A great book, a Count Basie chart, the perfect execution of the infield-fly rule gave Dad great pleasure. He could tell you who played drums for the Oscar Peterson Trio in 1962 and considered the Designated Hitter an abomination to baseball.
Pat was born in Miami, FL, the son of John P. Stokes Jr. and Bertha (Becker) Stokes. He was preceded in death by his bride of 60 years, Joyce (Longanacre) Stokes; and daughter, Kimberly Stokes Waldron. He leaves behind a daughter, Patricia and husband, Doug; son, John (IV) and daughter-in-law, Sandy; along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dad graduated Culver Military Academy class ‘53, University of Virginia (where he met mom) ‘57, and gained an MBA from Michigan State University ‘63. His 30-year career in the US Army included company command, 2-time battalion command, and a corps support command. Pat was a graduate of Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. His final command assignment was Garrison Commander, Fort Lewis, WA.
Following retirement from the Army in 1987, dad and mom began a second career, this time in ministry and service to the Lord. A passion for missions led to short-term trips to Burundi, Mexico, Kenya, and China. They were both faithful servants of Christ. Dad served as Bible Study Fellowship Teaching Leader, church missions Elder, Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Gideon. Following the loss of his dear wife in 2018, Dad continued to lead Bible study at his residence at Somerby in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. He received great pleasure in teaching God’s word and was just beginning a study in Ephesians, when he was hospitalized.
Dad and Mom loved traveling in Europe (especially Bavaria) and East Africa. Dad loved planning the next travel adventure and recently planned a European river cruise with his granddaughter and her husband.
Dad was a generous, godly father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a faithful prayer warrior for our entire family. He looked expectantly for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and a sweet reunion with his bride.
A graveside service with military honors will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Sinks Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Sinks Grove, WV.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pioneers in memory of Patrick Stokes, to JP and Megan Stokes, account number 111866. Make checks payable to “Pioneers”, 10123 William Carey Drive, Orlando, FL 32832, or www.pioneers.org/give.
Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount, VA.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.