To watch the service, click HERE.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved SSgt. Johnny “Stokes” Williams Stokes (USAF Ret.) who was born on August 5, 1934, in Apopka, Florida and left this world on March 7, 2025. Stokes, as he was affectionately known, lived a life full of family, love, travel and basketball. A memorial service with full military honors will be held in the chapel of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A visitation will take place one hour prior between the hours of 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Stokes’ life was a beautiful mosaic of travel, history and kindness, three traits that endeared him to many. Stokes joined the United States Air Force in 1955 as a Warehouse Specialist. Early in his military career, his talent was obvious and he joined the Air Force basketball team. Throughout Stokes’ years in the Air Force he was allowed to travel the world seven times and competed in several World Games to include those in Chile and Africa. Stokes served his country with honor and continued to do so upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1975. It was then that he began his second career as a Warehouse Distribution Specialist at Robins Air Force Base where he servedfaithfully for the next 20 years. A true sports enthusiast, Stokes could always be found listening to ESPN radio cheering for UGA Football, college basketball, and his beloved Atlanta Braves. His attention to detail and passion for these games was infectious.

Stokes is proceeded in death by his parents, Peter and Frances Stokes and his siblings Eliza Petronia Stokes, Nellie Vee Stokes, Henry Lee Stokes, Cleotha Stokes Toney, and Lillie Beatrice Stokes, as well as his long-time caregiver Clara Braswell Smith. Although, he had no biological children he leaves behind by his Goddaughter, Debbie Braswell Scott (Henry, Jr.), his devoted “My Girl” Tenisha Smith (Kelvin), his grandsons, Henry Scott III (Diyanah) and Joshua Scott, both of Warner Robins, GA and his pride and joy great grandchildren, Olivia Scott and Henry Scott IV. He also leaves behind 14 nephews and nieces of the Stokes family as well as a tribe of adopted nephews and nieces as well as great nephews and great nieces of the Braswell family.

Though Stokes has departed, he leaves behind his love of education, all things history, love of family and love of sports—a testament to a life well-lived. He will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Stokes was truly loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

To watch service live, click link below.

https://youtube.com/live/vPZbWVeISJg?feature=share

Please sign the online guest registry at www.heritagemfh.com and leave a personal condolence.

Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial Keepers (1)

Johnny Williams Stokes