Jarrial "Jerry" Astor Stokes

Jerry was born January 14, 1923 in Charlotte, son of the late Ernest Clifton and Nancy Jones Stokes. He was a member of Tabernacle ARP Church. Jerry attended Central and Harding High Schools before joining the US Navy at age 17 (served 1941-1946). He was a distinguished WWII veteran who served on the staff of ComDesLant on the USS Denebola, the USS Kankakee, USS Doyen at Kiska, the first offensive battle at Tarawa, stationed with PacCenClant in Hawaii and was stationed on an island in the South Pacific during World War II.

Jerry was a true entrepreneur who had many accomplishments over a long and successful life which included a career focus on developing, management, promotions and consulting. He served as Executive Director of local, state and national associations, many of which he was founder of (such as National Flea Market, National Barbecue, NC Auto Leasing, NC Pawnbrokers, Carolina Clowns, CIADA, National Remodeling Industry) and was named Charlotte Business Man of the Year. Jerry was also owner

of The Car Market and United Inc., plus publisher of many books and magazines. For the last 10 years he was also a webmaster with over 50 websites, including FindaFleaMarket ,CharlotteBusiness and DemocraticNationalConvention. Jerry never ceased to dream – "This, with God's help, I have done".

Jerry married and is survived by his wife, Margaret "Peggy" Reed Stokes, the only love of his life, on September 25, 1948. He is also survived by his loving daughter, Sandra Stokes Montague (Harry Wayne) of Charlotte along with their children, the joys of his life, Robert Andrew and Elizabeth Lindsay Montague. Jerry is preceded in death by four brothers, four sisters and is survived by two sisters, Bobbie Stokes Foard (Erskine) and Loretta Moore (Joe) both of Charlotte, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jerry's life has made a difference in this world; he will be greatly missed – well done, good and faithful servant.

Memorials may be made to VCOM (Honduras Mission) Attn: Mattie Bendall 350 Howard Street Spartanburg, SC 29301."

The funeral service will be held 1:00pm, Tuesday, April 10 in the chapel at Wilson Funeral Service, 5301 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte with Rev. John Harrill officiating. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Monday evening at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.