Stokes graduated from Earlington High School and enrolled at Western Kentucky University.
Stokes taught a number of subjects, including administration, supervision, statistics, tests and measurements, health, physical education, recreation and athletics.
[3] In 1997, Stokes left Miami-Dade to join Lockheed Martin and afterwards Affiliated Computer Services as the project manager of the Welfare Reform Programs.
He was a member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and United Way Community Development Committee.
He is survived by his wife Roberta Boyce Stokes; children Deborah and James Norman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers Jim and Steve Blais.