OBITUARY Print
Winston-Salem, NC – William Finley Stokes III, 58, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born March 11, 1963 in Charlotte, NC at Presbyterian Hospital to William Finley Stokes, Jr. and Grace Galloway Stokes. He was a 1981 graduate of Hendersonville High School and a 1985 graduate of the University of Tennessee where he graduated with honors in Communication.
Bill began his career after graduation at WLOS-TV in Asheville, NC where he won an Emmy award in 1988. In 1991, he went to work at Wachovia, later Wells Fargo as a Branch Manager. He quickly worked his way up the corporate ladder and in 2009 he was made Trust Team Manager, Vice-President. In March 2018 he was promoted to Senior Vice-President, Wealth Management Fiduciary Segment Manager.
A true volunteer, Bill shared his time at the Boys and Girls Club of America, coaching youth basketball leagues, alumni Class of 2017 Leadership Winston-Salem, and a Board Member of the Forsyth Humane Society. He was also the Wells Fargo Volunteer Regional Chapter President since 2012.
Bill had a real passion for collecting. His home is filled with art, music, and many books. There are amazing collections of UT sports memorabilia, UNC basketball, and his favorite athlete Michael Jordan. But his biggest passion was comic books. His collection of over 11,000 Spiderman comics and other Spiderman items was his pride and joy. He spent many years at shows with his good friends as he sought out more books for his collection. He always had a big smile on his face as he would tell the stories behind all the items in his home.
Bill was preceded in death by his father William Finley Stokes, Jr. and his beautiful dog Sissy. Bill is survived by his mother, Grace Galloway Stokes of Winston-Salem, his sister Susan Stokes Kain of Hendersonville, his niece Addison Lea Kain and his nephew Connor Stokes Kain both of Hendersonville, uncles Joseph Powell Stokes of Chicago, IL and John Russell Stokes of Hendersonville, and Aunt Gayle Galloway Beasley of Bethune, SC as well as an extended family of cousins, loyal friends, and associates that he deeply loved.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 17th at 11:00 am at the Forsyth Human Society located on 4881 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 with Terry Boyd officiating.
Gifts in memory of Bill may be made to the newly established William F. Stokes, III Endowed Fund for Lymphoma Research by making a check out to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and mailing to P.O. Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021. Please include a note or memo that your gift is in loving memory of William Stokes. In lieu of flowers, please support the Forsyth Humane Society, address provided above.
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Services
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Carolina Cremation Center
5707 Robin Wood Lane, Winston Salem, NCTribute Wall
5 trees planted in memory of William
Joseph and Alina Scott
July 16, 2021 8:30 AMIn memory of our dear beloved friend, Bill Stokes. It was a true honor to have you be a part of our lives. You will be forever in our hearts. Until we see each other again. Be well!
Joseph and Alina Scott
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of William Finley Stokes III by Joseph and Alina Scott. Plant a Tree
David and Jo Ann Fain
July 1, 2021 10:42 AMGrace, my heart is broken after reading about the loss of your son. I think I can see your sweet smile in him. You have always been very special to me. Of all the ones we have lost, we still have not lost a child. I hear that is the worst loss ever to go thru. Our hearts and prayers are with you. I was so blessed to get to see you each time it was your turn to volunteer. You always made us feel so loved and special whether it was lunch time or just coffee break. We always knew we would see that sweet smile and the bouncy sweet lady that showed it. It made our work day better. I also looked forward to your friend who volunteered with you. I'm sorry I can't think of her name right now, but if you should hear from her give her my blessings too. I couldn't find you this AM on FB, so I am sending you this message this way. May God stay at your side and get you through this. Much love, Jo Ann
Rich, Tamra and Kayla Calvin
June 29, 2021 9:59 PMDerek Chambers
June 29, 2021 4:24 PMBill was such a vibrant person, and I really enjoyed working with him. He touched many people and will be missed greatly! Prayers for the family!
A Memorial Tree was planted for William Finley Stokes III
June 27, 2021 5:31 PMWe are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Carolina Cremation Center
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