Obituary

Charles Walter Stokes, 85, passed away on December 30, 2015 in Pensacola, Florida.

Charles grew up in the small town of Graceville, Florida and enjoyed a wonderful childhood there. He excelled in athletics during his high school years followed by Chipola Jr. College where he played football. From there he was signed by the University of Tennessee where he started every game as #31 Left Tackle during his two years there. Throughout his life, he considered it an honor to be a part of the Tennessee Volunteers 1951 National Championship team led by General Robert Neyland. During his time at Tennessee he was privileged to play in both the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl.

After his time at Tennessee, he followed his passion for high school football. Charles coached football at several schools before he began his Pensacola career at Pensacola High School where he instituted the "Single Wing" format taught to him by General Neyland. He was proud to have coached winning teams at Pensacola High School, Pensacola Tech High School and Woodham High School.

Following the completion of his graduate degree in school administration, and his tenure as Principal at Workman Middle School, he ran for Superintendent of Escambia County Schools. Even though his first attempt was unsuccessful, he was undeterred and his future attempts were both successful. He served as Superintendent for two four year terms, beginning in 1976 and also in 1980.

Charles had a love of football. In addition to football he became an avid golfer. His goal was always to "smack" the ball long and straight and he enjoyed many years of competitive golf with his buddies. Despite his challenges regarding Parkinson's disease, Charles enjoyed a rich full life with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Ruby Stokes; his sister, Nell Landrum; daughter, Sarah Ann Stokes Callahan as well as his first wife, Martha Edenfield Stokes, the mother of his twin daughters, Susan and Sarah.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sandra Holley Stokes; his daughter, Susan Elizabeth Stokes; his sister, Melba Bryan and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, FL at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 3, 2016. The service will be preceded by visitation at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow the service in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Congregational Care Ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Walter Stokes, please visit our flower store.