Gene R. Stokes

Gene R. Stokes, 77, died Saturday, January 16, 2016 in a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at Central Baptist Church in Darlington at 2:00 on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, with burial following in Grove Hill Cemetery, with military honors, directed by Belk Funeral Home. Born in Darlington County on November 11, 1938, he was the son of the late George B. and Myrtle Rhodes Stokes. Mr. Stokes served in the Unites States Marine Corps from 1956-1959. He played football for and graduated from Elon College in 1964, and also received his Master's Degree from Francis Marion University. He led Blacksburg High School to an Upper-State Baseball Championship. Gene was a teacher and a coach at St. Johns High School, Darlington High School (until his retirement in 1997), and coached the James F. Byrnes team to a State Football Championship. He also coached the North vs. South game in 1980. Gene was a lifetime member of Central Baptist Church where he served as a deacon was honored to be a Deacon Emeritus. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Adelaide Goodman Stokes, a son, Nick Stokes of Darlington, a daughter, Cheryl (Bobby) Guzman of Timmonsville, a granddaughter, Ansley Morrison and step-grandchildren, Adrianna Guzman and Brianna Guzman. He was preceded in death by siblings: George B. "Buddy" Stokes, Frank Malcolm "Mack" Stokes, and Helen Smoak. The family will receive friends from 5-7 Monday at Belk Funeral Home and other times at the home, 101 Barfield Road, Darlington. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring Street, Darlington, SC 295432. Former members of the St. Johns, Darlington High and Byrnes Football teams are asked to be Honorary Pallbearers.