Thomas Edward Stokes, Jr., age 76, of Columbia, SC, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. Born on February 28, 1939, in Sumter, SC, he was the son of the late Thomas Edward Stokes, Sr. and the late Katherine Pate Stokes. For 48 years he was the beloved husband of Nancy Williams Stokes of the residence. Mr. Stokes was a graduate of Wofford College, Class of 1961, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, the Scabbard and Blade, and the Publications Board. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Defense Command. He was a second lieutenant and served as a Battery Commander. Tom was a Mason and a Shriner, and was a member of the Midlands Striper Club. Mr. Stokes was Vice President of Systems and Computer Technology where he was employed from 1971 through 2002. For many years, he coached baseball and football for youth leagues in Irmo, SC. He took great pride in the fact that for many years, he was one of the last to leave "Death Valley" following Clemson games. Tom was a member of Virginia Wingard United Methodist Church for 45 years. Among his favorite pass times were fishing, hunting, "The Second Friday Night Club," and the "The Station Breakfast Club." Most of all, he loved his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loving friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Edward Stokes, III and April Denny Stokes of Charleston, SC; a daughter and son-in-law, Greer Stokes McDougald and Jesse Fretwell McDougald of Anderson, SC; a brother, Robert M. Stokes of Bishopville, SC; and four grandchildren, Sarah Grace McDougald, Peyton Elise Stokes, Miller Thomas Stokes and Jesse Fretwell "Wells" McDougald, Jr. The Funeral Service to honor and celebrate the life of Thomas Stokes, Jr. will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the Virginia Wingard United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC with Rev. Scott Smoak and Rev. Bob Borom officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday in the Welcome Center of the church, following the service. Entombment will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Anderson, SC, with Rev. Dr. Dennis Tedder officiating. Contributions in memory of Mr. Stokes may be made to Virginia Wingard United Methodist Church, 1500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Anderson, SC Events Funeral Service Friday, October 9, 2015 1:00PM Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church 1500 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210 Graveside service Saturday, October 10, 2015 11:00AM Forest Lawn Memorial Park 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North Anderson , SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 225-1636