William L. Stokeling Jr.

WILLIAM LUKE STOKELING JR., son of the late Luke and Golla Smith Stokeling, was born on June 13, 1928 in Perry, Georgia. He departed this life on June 22, 2008 suddenly. He received his education in the public schools of Georgia. After graduating from high school he applied to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. He was accepted, making him the first Afro-American to attend the Coast Guard Academy. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from June 1949 until November 1952. He was honorably discharged. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1952 and served in the Air Force as a military policeman. He was honorably discharged. He missed the military, so he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1975. He served twenty-two years, retiring With a honorable discharge and rank of SFC. He received many awards while in the service. He received good conduct medals from the Coast Guard and the Air Force. He also received the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Maryland Commendation Award from the National Guard. After leaving the Air Force, he secured employment at the U.S. Health Dept. where he worked until he transferred to SSA from which he retired after thirty years of service. His hobbies were hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved to cook. Everyone came by just to eat his food. He was a devoted family man and he loved his grandchildren. He made numerous friends wherever he went, and will be sincerely missed by everyone he knew. He joined Eiderslie-St. Andrews United Methodist Church at an advanced age, and gave his life to Christ. While serving in the Coast Guard, he met Marian Lyle, and they were married in August of 1953. Out of this union four children were born: William Luke Stokeling, III, Edward Lyle (deceased), Brian Keith, and Patricia Louise. He leaves to mourn: his wife of fifty-four years, Marian; two sons, William, III and Brian Keith; daughter, Patricia Winder; one daughter-in-law, Sheila Stokeling; son-in-law, Samuel Winder, III; two grandchildren, Monica Stokeling and William Stokeling, N; eight living brothers and sisters, Melvin, Howard, James, and Eugene Stokeling, Annie Grace, Christine Walker, Laverne Smith, and lndie McKenzie (he was preceded in death by his sisters Ruby and Teresa, and his brothers John L. and Thirren). He also leaves seven sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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William L. Stokeling Jr.

June 13, 1928 - June 22, 2008