Michael Barker Stokes

Michael Barker Stokes, 59, went home to be with the Lord on October 30, 2014 after a faith filled battle against cancer. He was born on January 5, 1955 to William (Bill) Stokes and Edna Barker Stokes. He leaves behind his wife Nancy, sons Kevin and Brian as well as siblings William (Megan) Stokes, Rhonda (Riley) Rutland, and Marvin (Stuart) Stokes and nieces and nephews Andrew Rutland, Amy Rutland, William Stokes III, James Stokes, Laura Hutchinson and great-nephew John Stokes Rutland. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Ruth Regan and Nancy’s siblings Dan Regan, Wendy Hutchinson and Mike Regan. Michael grew up in the Riverview area of Jacksonville and is a graduate of Orange Park High School. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1976 and then moved to Dallas where he was a CPA and traveled the world working for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. He eventually started an electronics company, Off The Shelf Components, Inc. In 1989 he left Dallas and returned to Jacksonville to be closer to his family and soon after met his wife of nearly 23 years. He returned to the University of Florida to attend law school and graduated in 1995. He worked for Mahoney, Adams and Criser and in 1997 joined Paul Davis Restoration where he was employed until his retirement in 2012 due to his illness. Mike’s passion was his family. He spent countless hours with his wife, sons and extended family boating, enjoying Kingsley Lake, traveling and just being together. He coached youth soccer for over 10 years and was committed to encouraging each individual player. He was his sons’ biggest fan and spent countless hours at soccer games and swim meets. He leaves a legacy of what it means to focus your life on the things that really matter. He was a member of New Grace Church and over the years was involved in various ministries including Alpha. The family is thankful for all the love and support provided by our church family and friends throughout Mike’s illness. A service in celebration of Mike’s life will be held at New Grace Church on November 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Grace Church Youth Barn (New Grace Church, 5804 Highway 17, Fleming Island 32003). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, (904) 284-4000.