Arnold T. Stokes, 96, passed away on June 10, 2020 in Huntsville, Alabama. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Maple Hill Cemetery with Dr. Travis Collins, Pastor of First Baptist Church officiating.
Arnold, the youngest son of James and Rebecca Stokes, was born in the Jordan community of Greer, South Carolina on January 16,1924. One of 11 children, he is survived by his youngest sister, Virginia “Jink” Heath of Taylors, SC.
During WWII Arnold served in Europe with the Engineer Combat Battalion of the U.S. Army. His unit received a citation for bridgework on the Rhine River. He felt this was the most important and gratifying thing he accomplished in the war.
He graduated from Clemson University and was a lifelong Tiger fan. He worked as an aerospace engineer at Army Missile Command for 36 years during which time four of his inventions were patented.
His wife, Sara Lee Stokes, and he recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. He was generous, kind and a devoted husband and father, helping raise three daughters. He had a playful sense of humor and loved to “modify” anything and everything. His family will remember him as a person who was truly content with his life.
As a 12 year old, he was baptized in Jordan Creek near his home while his father sang, “Shall We Gather at the River.” He was a member of First Baptist Church of Huntsville for 65 years, enjoying “TV church” as he got older.
He and Sara enjoyed gardening and maintained a showcase yard that at one time included a fish pond and gazebo they designed and built.
Arnold is survived by his wife, Sara Lee Stokes; daughters, Diane Stokes Sockwell (m. Steve) of Arlington VA, Jane Stokes Couch (m. Mike) of Florence AL, Fran Stokes of Auburn AL; granddaughters, Tegan Sockwell of Arlington VA, Abby Couch Carpenter (m. Ben) of Florence, AL, Kylie Couch McKinney of Oak Park IL, Elly Couch of Auburn AL; and great-granddaughter, Lottie Jane Carpenter of Florence AL.
Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caregivers at Regency Assisted Living, Floyd “Tut” Fann Veterans Home and Hospice of North Alabama. We also want to express our deep appreciation and thanks to our kind and attentive neighbors.
As everyone needs to be safe at this time, the family understands if you cannot be present.
