Russell M. Stokes

STOKES
RUSSELL M. STOKES (Age 73)

Died quietly at home in Pinehurst, NC, on August 9, 2007. He was born in Barre, VT, on December 29, 1933, to the late Russell M. Stokes Sr., and Lee Milton Stokes. Moving often due to his father's career, he settled in Middletown, CT, for his formative years.

He was a graduate of Northfield Mount Herman School in Northfield, MA. He received a degree in communications from Boston University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. He served in the U. S. Army for two years at Fort Bliss, TX.

Russ began a career in finance and marketing in New York City. He was the Southeast sales manager for Franklin Templeton Funds and later part owner of Florida Growth Funds, taking him with his family to Palm Beach, FL, for 10 years. He then spent 30 years in the Washington, DC, area, residing in Annapolis, Potomac, and Frederick, MD. Russ was a partner in Executive Transitions and co-host of "Your Career Partners" on the ABC affiliate WMAL in Washington. The family retired to Pinehurst in 2006.

He enjoyed all sports, especially golf, the Redskins, and the Yankees. Russ had many friends

who were attentive and supportive during his illness.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nan Woodham Stokes, of the home; son, Russell M. Stokes, III of Charleston, WV; three grandchildren, Rayne, Joey, and Alexander Stokes; brother and sister-in-law, Donald B. and Karen F. Stokes of Weston, CT; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, B. G. and Judy M. Woodham of Tryon, NC. He was preceded in death by daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Stokes.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 11 a.m. at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst, with the Rev. Dr. Larry Ellis officiating with the Rev. Richard Stetler of Bowie, MD. Burial will be in Bethesda Cemetery at Aberdeen, NC. The family will receive friends following the services at the residence, 90 Donald Ross Drive, Pinehurst.

The family suggests that memorials be made to First Health Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

BOLES FUNERAL HOME of Pinehurst is serving the family.