William M. “Bill” Stokes Jr.

January 6, 1925 - May 10, 2020

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memorial

Trinity Methodist Church

1000 Woodward Avenue

Ruston, LA 71270

318-251-0750 |

Saturday 7/11, 11:00 am

On the morning of Sunday, May 10, 2020, William M. Stokes, Jr. (Bill) passed away at the age of 95. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.

Bill was born to William and Ada (Laird) Stokes, Sr. in McComb, MS, on January 6, 1925. After graduating from McComb High School in 1942, he attended Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, MS, for one year. After finishing the year, Bill worked at Camp Van Dorn which was a WWII training and POW camp in Centreville, MS. He then attended Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also attended seminary at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1951.

Bill began his ministry serving churches in different areas in Mississippi including his first church which was located in Harrisville, MS, and his home church, Centenary United Methodist Church, which was located in McComb, MS. After a short time at the Mississippi State University Wesley Foundation and then as a pastor for the Woodville circuit in Woodville, MS, Bill felt the call to come to Louisiana Tech University’s Wesley Foundation.

Bill always had the desire to work with students and he faithfully served the Wesley Foundation at Louisiana Tech University from 1957-1988 while also serving Ansley Union Church as the Methodist minister. While at Wesley, Bill made an incredible impact on the lives of his students. He was wonderful at making everyone feel important and he remembered names and hometowns better than anyone. He loved to greet students at the door and welcome them to “the place to be on the Tech campus”. His loving attitude, charming smile, and his distinct Southern accent will always be cherished by the many students who walked through those doors.

After retirement, Bill served as an interim pastor at Farmerville United Methodist Church and continued to preach on numerous occasions. He was a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, LA, where he served faithfully in numerous roles. He had many passions and was always full of life and energy. He loved his family and friends dearly and will be greatly missed and forever remembered by those who knew him. He loved his dogs and had a love for painting. He was an encouragement to all who knew him. He loved to perform wedding ceremonies and baptism ceremonies and most importantly, he had a passion for bringing people to Christ. He has now joined Christ with those who preceded him in death. He was preceded in death by his father, William, and his mother, Ada. He is survived by numerous second and third cousins and countless friends.

There will be a memorial celebration of life service for Bill on a future date at a location to be announced later. There will also be a private graveside service at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, MS. Services will be prepared by Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Memorials may be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1000 Woodward Avenue, Ruston, LA 71270.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Trinity Methodist Church

1000 Woodward Avenue

Ruston, LA 71270

318-251-0750 | Map

Saturday 7/11, 11:00 am

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I attended Tech from 1976-1980, and I would not have made it without Bill shepherding me through the process. His counsel was timely and wise, and he always took the time to ask about my situation. He was a friend and confidante, and I will always cherish our time together. God Bless and Godspeed, my friend. Joe Green (Class of 1980) Baton Rouge, LA

Bill was a champion for the students he welcomed into Wesley. From the jocks to the nerds and the Deb's to the average Joe's he let you know there was a place for you at the table.

I knew Bill through occasional meetings on the Tech campus. He struck me as being outgoing, kind, generous and affable. When I ran across him at the nursing home, while visiting recently, he was eager to get home to take care of his pet. He was one of God's quiet good men and a true servant. My condolences to his loved ones, Tony Jurkus

201 Audubon Drive Our dear sweet "back door" neighbor, you will be missed. You will always be in our cherished memories and thoughts.

I am one of hundreds at Louisiana Tech Wesley foundation that were influenced positively by Bill Stokes in the 1980s. Most would agree with me that Bill was “one-of-a-kind“… In a very positive way. Bill allowed God to use him just the way he was made and was perceived as genuine and his love for college students and their spiritual growth. I met my wife, and more, at Wesley foundation, and it was bill who helped “a little” to help our relationship go along and now we’ve been married over 30 years. Thank you bill for all of your love and lifelong gift of your life to all of us at Louisiana Tech. I met my wife, Ann Moore, at Wesley foundation, and it was Bill who Counseled me along the Way and my student pilgrimage . Thank you Bill, for all of your love and gift of your life to all of us at Louisiana Tech. We love you and will miss you. Morris & Ann Inabnet

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Bill simply WAS La. Tech Wesley Foundation during his tenure there. Freshman year of college can be lonely, disorienting, and even scary. Bill’s warm welcome when one walked through through the door, and his ability to “match make” friendships went a long way in relieving those anxieties. I know they did for me. By far, the largest number of my life long friendships were forged at Wesley. Bill, I know that you stored your treasures in heaven and are enjoying them now. However, I also know how much you treasured your Wesley “kids.” You had quite the positive impact on them. You made us, and therefore the world, better. Not many people can claim that. All that you were and all that you had, you gave to God, and to His service.

Bill was truly one of a kind, with such a gift for making everyone feel known and loved. He created a cherished 'home away from home' at the Tech Wesley Foundation. I am so thankful for Bill and his ministry; he will be missed.

To say Bro. Bill Stokes will be missed is an understatement. He was so much more than a great person and pastor, he was family. Always a smile and a great big hug whenever I saw him. Heaven has gained an extraordinary angel. Rest In Peace, Carrie Duncan Auger

I'll never forget how welcoming Bill was when we came to Ruston in 1991; he put us in touch with Pat Love to help us purchase the house we've lived in ever since. His wonderful smile, gentle heart and charming drawl will always be in our hearts.

Fond memories of our relationship of friendship and LaTech/ULM rivalry over the past 30 years.....may GOD save you a front row seat to greet all those that you knew that are welcomed into Heaven.

What a gift to be able to scorn someone and uplift them at the same time. My parents are Tech Alumni and I have been around this complete gentleman my entire life. He was a great family friend and someone who did not have to demand respect, he commanded it. He loved and impacted so many people. Respectfully, William

Bill played a role in so many of my fondest memories of La Tech. From his initial greeting at Wesley Foundation (my first few weeks on campus), his constant not-so-subtle matchmaking, to coaching me for the Miss Tech pageant, and then his sweet communication long after graduation - he was always one of my loves! I can still hear his greeting - he made “Rhonda” sound like it had 12 syllables with his sweet Southern drawl. What a man! What a memory! ? If anyone gets to Heaven without a significant other - ‘Lookout!’ Bill will be have someone he wants you to meet!

What a wonderful life! He was loved by so many! I am so sad that he died at such time in our country that we cannot all get together and celebrate his life because he brought so many people together! Thank you, Bill, for all the joyful moments!

Bill was an outstanding person. His love for the Lord and for people made him a shinning example of what a Christian should be. His impact on my own life has been immeasurable.

RIP dear friend.

Rest In Peace, Bill. You meant a lot to me and my wife Kathryn. Yours was a life well lived!

In memory of William M. "Bill" Stokes Jr., Linda King Hogan lit a candle

Bless you dear Bill! You were such a large part of my life...you will always have a special place in my heart. RIP. Now you and your Mom are back together.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Although I just recently met Mr. Bill, he sure has made an impact on my life. I loved learning about all of the accomplishments he’s made in life and look at his beautiful paintings he had on his wall (all while he was eating his lemon cake of course). It was an honor to meet and get to know him over these past few months.

GWTW, You are loved and missed. We are all much better having known you and been loved by you.

Bill was such a blessing to so many students like myself who passed through LA Tech and Wesley Foundation. A true angel whose gift in life was blessing many students. Such wonderful memories of time spent leading vespers or simply having breakfast or lunch, always with great conversation. Thank you for the influence and for serving others!

In memory of William M. "Bill" Stokes Jr., Molly Story lit a candle

Bill was the Director of the Wesley Foundation at La Tech when I was a student. Because of him, I became every active. I enjoyed the fellowship we had there. After graduation. whenever I saw Bill, he greeted me and always called me by my name. He was a giving man of his time, whenever he was needed. He will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.