William A Stokes
May 5, 2020
William A. Stokes JR, 66, of Fleming Island, FL, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2020 at home. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Bill and Edna Stokes. He graduated from Ribault High School and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Valdosta State University in 1975 where he participated in the Air Force R.O.T.C. program. From there William began his career as a pilot in the US Air Force. One of the highlights of his career came in 1981 when William was chosen to fly the US hostages safely home during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. Upon departure from the Air Force, he became a commercial airline pilot flying for Muse Air, Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, and American Airlines. He then transitioned to a position with the VA serving other veterans until his death. William gained so much pleasure, flying planes and providing assistance for veterans in need.
He also had many other interests, the most important being with his beloved family. Many memories were made camping at Camp Blanding, enjoying beach life in St. Augustine, fishing with his brothers and nephews, traipsing through the woods, cherishing family gatherings and reunions, dancing and traveling the world. William truly values his many friends as well. Each one meant so much to him.
William is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Edna Stokes, and his brother, Michael Stokes.
William is survived by his wife, Megan, stepchildren, Andrea Willis (Patrick), Sean Willis (Patty), two grandsons, sister, Rhonda Rutland (Riley), brother, Marvin Stokes (Stuart), and sister in law, Nancy Stokes. He was a loving uncle to Andrew Rutland (Jen), Amy Temples (John), William Stokes, James Stokes, Kevin Stokes, Brian Stokes and four great nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Wounded Warrior Project
P.O. Box 758517
Topeka, KS 66675
In memory of William A. Stokes JR
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Our heartfelt condolences to Megan, family and friends. William was always smiling, helping others and a joy to be around. He will be missed so much! I am so thankful I got the chance to work with him and know him. Sending prayers and love to all his family and friends.
My thoughts are with you all.
God bless my dear sweet William. Please keep him safe flying Your friendly skies until we can dance again. I already miss you, honey.
Megan and William's family,
William will be missed dearly. His smile would truly light up a room and make you feel very comfortable. I've always admired the love William has always had for my dear friend Megan. He has made her so happy over the last 20 yrs. I know he will be a special angel we will see again one day. May God bring you peace during this very difficult time.
May you rest in eternal peace, you will be sorely missed. I still can’t believe I won’t see your face or hear your voice in the office. May God provide your family with peace and understanding. Rest easy my friend.
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds –
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of –
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
"Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God."
Piedmont Silver Eagles
I send my heartfelt sympathy. God bless and keep you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people. William was an awesome guy, he will be in our hearts and memories. Praying for strength, peace and comfort for his Wife, family, friends and co-workers.
Willy, You will be deeply missed by all that you touched, Rest Easy Buddy.
"WHAT, ME WORRY"
May you rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.
William was a wonderful man. He loved life, and truly cherished you, Megan. He will he missed. ❤️❤️
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts are with you and your family Megan.
I didn't know William well but it seemed as though I did. His morning updates of Jax staff were the best. I've met him in some trainings and he was kind of quiet. I am honored to have known him. And his military service to this great nation. God bless him and I know he is blessed and to you Megan and all his family.
Megan,
I am so very sorry about William. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked with William up until about 5 yrs ago and recently spoke with him a few months ago. William was dedicated to our veterans and often talked of his family. My prayers and condolences for his wife and family . RIP William
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Bill's wide family. I fondly remember flying with Bill at Piedmont/US Air on the 737. I cannot forget his warm smile, and tremendous sense of humor – always made a good trip GREAT!
Our loss and sadness, but certainly heaven's gain. We are all at a loss without him, but he made us all happier and better because we knew him.
I am heartbroken to think that such a dear, sweet man has left us. William was a joy to work with and was an integral part of any success the Va's Medical Foster Home program attained. He happily took on tasks and just ran with them, going over and beyond what was expected. Veterans and their families knew he would follow through with any request and they loved and trusted him. He was more than a colleague, though, he was the kind of friend anyone would want to have. He was a man of faith and it showed in his daily life. I will miss you so much, William, and am praying for peace and support for Megan and your family. You were a good man.
I am heartbroken to think that such a dear, sweet man has left us. William was a joy to work with and was an integral part of any success the Va's Medical Foster Home program attained. He happily took on tasks and just ran with them, going over and beyond what was expected. Veterans and their families knew he would follow through with any request and they loved and trusted him. He was more than a colleague, though, he was the kind of friend anyone would want to have. He was a man of faith and it showed in his daily life. I will miss you so much, William, and am praying for peace and support for Megan and your family. You were a good man.
We are so sorry for the loss of William. He was always cheerful and kind and we always enjoyed his presence at dances. Rest in peace.