Raymond Leo " Pie" Stokes

A Tribute to the Life of Mr. Raymond Leo Stokes

Loving Son, Brother, Uncle, American Soldier, and Honorable Discharged Veteran June 1, 1945, brought great joy to the late Mr. George Stokes, Sr. and Mrs. Josephine Coker
Stokes as they welcomed their fourth son, and seventh child. They named him Raymond Leo Stokes. Raymond was born in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL as the youngest to seven siblings.
He grew up in the West Gadsden area of the city with his three brothers: George Stokes, Jr., J.C. Stokes, and Willie James Stokes and three sisters: Lizzie Mae Stokes Leach Noble, Catherine Stokes Smith, and his youngest sister, Doris Ann Stokes Morgan, along with loving friends of his community. He was loved endlessly and given a foundation of strong work ethic and self-worth, which influenced the man he became. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended, along with his family, the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church of Gadsden, AL under the leadership of the late Rev. William Mallory.

One of Raymond’s favorite playmates was his niece, Caroline Leach as they were both born in the same year. They shared many fun days at his parents’ home 1604 Cansler Avenue. Raymond attended Carver High School where he played football with his teammates. It was there where he was given the name “Pie”. Notably, the team won a few championships games during his time. Raymond was gifted and was truly a talented artist—he enjoyed drawing portraits of family members and friends. He was quiet-mannered most of the time, but was very sociable among his classmates, Carver High School Class of 1964. Embodying the meaning of his name “wise protector”, Raymond enlisted in the United States
Army on June 12, 1964. He joined alongside two of his friends, Billy Mack and Aaron Williams, under the “buddy system”. He underwent basic training in Fort Lee, Virginia. He was also
stationed in Munich, Germany. He completed one tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge, he was ranked as Specialist 4. Raymond received numerous recognitions during his tenure serving our nation. These awards included the Good Conduct Medal, Expert (Rifle M-14), and the National Defense Service Medal. 

After serving his country, Raymond was employed by Smith and Wesson Firearms Company located in Springfield, Massachusetts. While living there, his niece, Caroline Leach and her daughter, Angie, would travel from New York to visit Raymond several times a year, especially around the holidays. Angie has great memories of these awesome times she and her mother Caroline shared with her Uncle Raymond. While they lived in New York, Caroline and her uncle enjoyed the special bond they shared which lasted until Caroline preceded him in death in 2019.

After many years of employment with Smith and Wesson, Raymond returned home to Alabama to assist in the care of his mother. Upon his return to Gadsden, he united with the Henry Street Church of Christ under Brother Kelley. In the late 90s, his health began to fail. This last year of life was very challenging for Raymond regarding his failing health. God blessed his nephew, Ricky Morgan to drive him to many appointments in Birmingham. Ricky remained available to whatever needs his Uncle Raymond required. He also maintained his home along with his Uncle Willie (Deak) and helped with trips to dialysis. Willie and Tonnie was blessed to have had Ricky a part of Raymond’s care team, along with Towona Cason. Thanks to both of you, Ricky and Towona.

The Stokes Family was a close-knit family who held a special bond with each other. Raymond’s siblings loved him very much and he loved them just the same. What was once seven, has now become one, with Willie James (Deak) now being the last living child of George, Sr. and Josephine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. George Stokes, Sr. and Mrs. Josephine Stokes; his known grandparents: Rev. Green Coker and Mrs. Liz Coker; brothers: George Stokes, Jr., and J.C. Stokes; sisters: Lizzie Mae Stokes Leach Noble, Mrs. Catherine Stokes Smith and Mrs. Doris Ann Stokes Morgan; three aunts: Lucille, Beatrice and Christine. two nephews: Sylvester Leach and Harry James Leach; one niece: Carolyn Leach Shealy; one great-nephew: Marcus Morgan
Though Raymond’s passing has left a void that can never be filled we, the family, humbly submit to the will of the Lord, being assured that He does all things well.

He leaves to cherish his memories and honor his life: his loving brother and sister-in-law: Mr. Willie James “Deak” Stokes, Sr. and Mrs. Tonnie Teague-Stokes, who were also his caregivers;
8 nephews: John, Will Edgar, Willie, Jr., Timothy, Ricky, Patrick, Stefan, and Donald. 9 nieces: Tonya, Sherry, Joyce, Angelina, Alisa, Becky, Denise, Chetina and Rhonda. Special great-
nephew: Joseph Thomas. He also leaves second, third, fourth, and fifth generations of nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.

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