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It is with deep sorrow that the Stokes family announces the death of Mr. Raymond "Pete" O. Stokes, Jr., 75. Pete entered into rest on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at McLeod Regional Medical Center. The family is in the care of the Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at West Hartsville Baptist Church with burial to follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Kevin Walters will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at the Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Born in Hartsville, SC he remained a lifelong resident and was always a proud RED FOX. Pete was married to the love of his life, Lydia, for 31 years. He was a devoted husband, father, coach, and friend. Pete graduated from Hartsville High School in 1966 and played Red Fox baseball. Pete worked at Sonoco in the Paper Mill for 39 years. Pete was the kind of friend everyone needed. Whenever anyone had the pleasure of running into Pete, he always greeted them with a big smile and a bright attitude; you just didn’t catch him having a down day. The many comments from near and far mention him being, “one of a kind, the most giving man ever, an amazing man, a selfless man, a hard worker, honest and straightforward." He certainly was a rare gem. Pete lived a life of service to those around him. He was a member of the National Guard and was a volunteer firefighter for the Hartsville Fire Department. Pete also served as a Deacon at West Hartsville Baptist Church and was a smiling face to all who entered. He spent over 20 years dedicating his time to the baseball teams at both Coker College and Hartsville High School as well as the Hartsville Northern League Pony League, serving as a mentor and coach. He never missed an opportunity to build the boys of our community into young men. Additionally, he enjoyed cooking with and for his friends, patio football, surf-fishing, and riding golf carts. He never turned down the opportunity to have a good time with his friends and family. He was a fierce protector and wingman to everyone that he loved. He could be counted on to tell you the hard truths of life while also staying by your side as you faced them. Pete was an exceptionally real human being that made a difference in the lives of thousands. Although the world has deflated a little with his passing, it has, no doubt, been Heaven’s gain. Pete is survived by his wife, Lydia Byrd Stokes of Hartsville, SC; daughter, Shannon Stokes Brand of Hartsville, SC; son, Kevin Scott Stokes of Hartsville, SC; brother, Randy (Donna) Stokes; and grandchildren, Shane (Amber) Brand, Taylor Brand, Tyler Stokes, and Tanner Stokes; and a niece, Rachel Stokes. Pete is preceded in death by a daughter, Angie Renee Stokes, and his parents, Mary Garland Stokes and Raymond Odis Stokes Sr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to West Hartsville Baptist Church, 1003 West Carolina Ave. Hartsville, SC 29550, or The Dylan Adams Endowment, P.O. Box 1902 Hartsville, SC 29551.

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Mr. Raymond "Pete" Odis Stokes Jr.

December 5, 1947 - March 25, 2023