Ernest Stokes Jr.

Ernest M Stokes, Jr., 89, of Macon, GA, passed away on 29 March 2023. He was born in Miami, FL on 16 June 1933. He grew up in West Palm Beach, FL where he developed his love for the ocean and the smell of salt air. He also enjoyed woodworking and spent many hours in his freetime with his father. He served his country during the Korean War as a Seabee and was proud of his service and grateful to live in the USA. After his tour in the Korean War, he attended the University of Miami and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration. It was at the University of Miami that he met his future wife, Sally.

He and Sally spent 49 wonderful years together before her passing in 2008. After their marriage, they settled in Macon, GA. Ernie worked for many years on the Sears Roebuck Marketing team. He designed the annual Sears Christmas Catalog and seasonal brochure layouts, and also rode alongside Winnie the Pooh in the Macon Thanksgiving Parade. He loved marketing but he loved our mother & Macon more. So, when the marketing team was moved to a northern state, he moved into a sales position and stayed with the Macon Sears and retired after 34 years of service. As an only child, he always wanted a big family.

He is survived by Jennifer Stokes Hopkins; Juliet Stokes Hardeman, (Frank); Kimberley Joan Edwards, (Grant*); Michael Lee Stokes, (Kelli*), (Amy); and Jeffrey Neal Stokes, (Phyllis); 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He always said that marrying Sally was his greatest accomplishment, followed by raising their 5 kids.

He loved camping, fishing, and traveling. Ernest was especially known for his green thumb in the garden and his burnt chicken on the grill. As he grew older, he spent a lot of time in Savannah. He enjoyed many trips going to the beach, eating seafood, and touring the sites. At home in Macon, he looked forward to family coming over for breakfast on Sunday, watching his Miami Hurricanes football team and playing with the many cats who graced his doorway. He had a life well-lived, and he will be missed.

The family will greet friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Saturday, April 8, 2022, at Snow's at Macon Memorial Park. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm, graveside at Macon Memorial Park.

Snow's at Macon Memorial Park has charge of arrangements.