Raymond "Ray" Glenn Stokes

Raymond “Ray” Glenn Stokes, 69, of Crossett, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at his home.  He was born in Healdsburg, California, on December 18, 1952, to his parents, Glenn and Gladys Davis Stokes.  He was a 1971 graduate of Crossett High School and a member of the First Baptist Church of Crossett.

After graduating high school, Ray served honorably in the Arkansas National Guard and was an expert national marksman.  He worked at the Switzer Motel as the groundskeeper and later was a mechanic and truck driver for Service Inc.  In 1977, Ray began a career with Georgia Pacific, where he eventually retired after forty-two years.

To Ray, happiness meant being with his family.  Whether it was spraying the kids from the jet boat with the rooster tail while they tubed or cheering them on from the stands at their ball games, Ray was undoubtedly their biggest fan and encourager.  He coached many baseball, softball, and soccer games and consistently stressed to his kids and grands the importance of doing their best in everything they did. 

When it came to supporting his family, he was committed.  For fifty years, he spent countless hours making decorations and various sets for dance recitals without hesitation.

He was a hard worker and a perfectionist; however, he also enjoyed his downtime.  Going for rides on his Harley, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending summers at the beach with his family were tops on his list. 

He was also a HOG member (Harley Owners Group) and volunteered several years with the Ashley County Toy Run.

Ray was a loyal friend, an outstanding father and grandfather, and a faithful and loving husband who enjoyed spoiling his wife. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Glenn Labar Stokes; his mother, Gladys Stokes; a stepfather, John Suesens; one half-brother, Blaine Stokes; and his brother-in-law, Hughen Watson.

He leaves behind his wife of forty-six years, Renee Watson Stokes; and three children, Travis Brent Stokes (McKenzie), Brooke Stokes, and Brittney Farmer (Matt), all of Crossett; along with eight grandchildren, Victoria Stokes, Justin Stokes, Blaine Wooten, Blaire Wooten, Rogan Farmer, Kash Farmer, Leighton Stokes, and Emily Stokes; one sister-in-law, Blanche Watson; and his special fur companion, “Lou".

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 16th, at the First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main St., with Pastor Jamie Staley officiating, followed by interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Lee Allen Harris, Don Pistole, Philip Johnston, Tom Baldwin, Scotty McCay, Jim Moffatt, Ronny Day, and Patrick Bozeman.                                  

Honorary pallbearers are Jason Roberts, Harold Roberts, David Cathey, Ovid Switzer, Johnny Huffstetler, Brian Mauser, Eloyd Johnson, Ben White, Edgar Chesser, Richard White, Mark Trammell, Jimmy Launius, Terry Upshaw, Bill Simpson, and Layne Melton.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in North Crossett.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hope at Home organization, the First Baptist Church ministries, or a charity of your choice.

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