Raymond Frankland Stokes

He was born on November 6, 1933, to Harold E. and Ruth S. Stokes in Detroit, Michigan.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife and partner in life for more than 63 years, Eunice Stokes.

His 35-year career in advertising began at Ross Roy, Inc. in Detroit. He later moved to the firm’s Manhattan (NY) office, where he would spend the next 25 years, representing global brands such as Bacardi Rum and General Electric. He later worked as an advertising representative for the ABA Banking Journal at Simmons-Boardman Publishing. For the most part he relished his daily commute on the Metro North line from his home in Norwalk, Connecticut to Mid-town Manhattan—seldom tiring of the stimulating pulse of New York City.

Ray was a passionate fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines throughout his life. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University in 1955, the same year that he met his future wife, Eunice, who was then a nursing student, and whom he wed in 1956. His devotion to the Maize and Blue was legendary; among his most cherished memories was a trip to the 1998 Rose Bowl that capped the Wolverines’ national championship season. He was a shrewd and avid bridge player, a connoisseur of gin martinis, a New York Times Crossword puzzle afficionado, and an eager tour guide for anyone visiting him and Eunice at their home in Williamsburg, Virginia, where they retired in 2002. He and Eunice enjoyed several memorable trips to Europe—including visits to ancestral towns in England and Scandinavia—and Canada, and a special family cruise to Alaska in 2016.

Survivors include his sister, Carole Gillen (Jerry); son, Richard F. Stokes (Deborah); two daughters, Linda C. Wareing (Lee), and Suzanne Stokes Vieth (Mark); and six grandchildren: Adam Stokes (Corinne Geisel); Meaghan Stokes; Matthew Wareing (Jamie Bell); Hope Wareing Coulter (Shawn); Madeleine Vieth and Evan Vieth; great-granddaughter Blair L. Wareing; and nephews Michael Gutowsky, Daniel Gutowsky (Joann) and niece Beth Loehr (John).

A private graveside service will be held in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 18. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes memorial contributions to FISH, Inc., of Williamsburg, a local food pantry (fishwilliamsburg.org) or to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.muehligannarbor.com for the Stokes family.