Richard Ray Stokes Jr.

Posted

Richard Ray Stokes Jr., 71, died Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Morgan Health Center following a short illness.

He was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on December 9, 1947 to the late Richard Stokes, Sr. former Commander of the Warwick Police Reserves and Magdalene Mary (Friel) Stokes. He was raised in Warwick and graduated from Pilgrim High School in 1965. At an early age he developed a desire to care for injured animals and earned his Eagle Scout Award for his work with wildlife. He was taught the respect and proper handling of firearms by his dad and won the Warwick City Rifle Championship in 1961.

Richard joined the United States Coast Guard following high school and was trained as a Gunner's Mate. He was assigned to the USCG Cruiser "Dexter" on the West Coast and was involved in patrolling the Bering Straits off the Alaska coast. He later received a medical discharge and returned home to Rhode Island and completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Rhode Island. He went on to work in many "outdoor jobs" in California, Maine and Rhode Island. He enjoyed attending Native American Rendezvous, collecting items of Indian folk lore, and participating in local auctions. All of his life he was an avid collector of coins, stamps, baseball cards, comic books and more.

He leaves behind his wife Nancie Stokes, stepsons: Kenny, Sean, Keith Hennessey, his sister Deborah Stokes Spigler and her husband, Dave of Maryland, nieces and nephews: Cindy Joy, Stacy Crockett, and Richard Spigler and their families, and several step-nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather Friday, February 15, 2019 at 10:45 a.m. in the Rhode Island Veterans’ Cemetery, Exeter. A chapel service with military honors will be at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Amedisys Foundation, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI 02914 (Beacon Hospice) or to a charity of your choice. For information and condolences, visit TheQuinnFuneralHome.com