I vividly remember Stokes (back then we only used last names) in flight school. Great guy, one of the most personable there.  Glad he made it out of Nam okay. I wish I had paid more attention to addresses in the VHPA directory because he lived in Orlando and so did I. (I expect to see you again, but in a different flight status.  Clear the LZ for me.)
Thomas
Comanchero 23

Went through Army flight school with him.  In flight school picture he is sitting front row next to  CW2 Atkinson on the right side, I am last on front row far right.  Wish I had known he lived so close as I live in south Orlando.  I also served with 101st in Nam.

I met Randy and flew with him for close to 10 years when he started his EMS Pilot career with the Air Care Team.  The picture here is classic Randy.  Out of all the pilots I flew with (and there were many) over a 20-year flying career he stood out because he truly loved to fly!  He was very confidant and comfortable behind the controls of the various ships we flew in, even when faced with mechanical failure or weather.  I always felt safe flying with him.  

A favorite memory:  I have been on many roller coasters across this county, but non better than with Randy during a check ride with a new nurse.  After flying along the Wekiva River at 100' or so  above the trees, he took us up to 1500’ and we dropped down onto the river low enough that we had to look up to see the tops of the trees and flew NOE (nape of the earth) for about 90 sec, up and down over the islands along the river at 120 knots.  The best roller coaster ride ever!  Looking back not the safest thing to do, but he had told us the initial pass over the Wekiva was to look for new wires or obstructions prior to the that ride.   

Working with someone in a small team environment you really get to know them.  One thing I learned and appreciate from him was he never referred to Cathy as “the wife” and Tracey and Barbie “the kids” but consistently used their names.  He adored and always spoke lovingly about them.  

I saw him at the hospital some 14 years after I last few with him and we spent about 45 minutes catching up and with stories of “old times” when he could get them out past his “Snidely Whiplash” laugh!  We shared many great memories!  

CR Stokes, it was and honor and privilege to know and fly with you! You will be missed!  


Randy was one of the most intelligent, interesting and sometimes hysterically irrelevant men I was privileged to call a friend since the early 90s I guess.  His loss will be greatly felt amongst those of us who knew and loved him.  No more Obama dances to purposely get a rise out of some.,.He was proud of that dance.  I remember before they married his being so particular about his daughters’ Christmas gifts.  Cashmere sweaters one year, pearls, Gucci bags, etc.  I loved that about him, the way he loved his family so very hard and very true.

Love and comfort to Cathy, Tracey, Barbie and Charlotte, and all I missed.

Yvonne Audet

I remember Randy from the time I spent with him as a flight nurse in Orlando. As an Army veteran, I loved talking to him about his time in service and his exploits in the Arab states.  He was a man who lived on his own terms. I also took great joy in poking fun of his college football team when we (UGA) would play. I will miss  Capt Stokes and I have, and will think of him often.

I respected him greatly.  

Randy was our high school friend at Edgewater  and later became our neighbor for 25 years. Randy shared many stories with us out on his balcony and always greeted us coming home. We will miss our friend and neighbor but we know he is happy in his new home and will watch over his beautiful family . 
Fly high dear friend, Fly with the Eagles, Reach for  the Clouds and enjoy the view! Watch over us all . We will miss you and our talks! Love Mike and Linda 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Clay Randall Stokes

2 octobre 1943 – 26 mai 2019

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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