Harry Benjamin Stokes Jr. of Hayes, Va., age 72, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, 2013, with his family by his side.

He was born Oct. 29, 1940 in Hayes to the late Harry and Mable Patterson Stokes.

Harry graduated from T.C. Walker High School in 1960 in Gloucester, Va. He served four years in the Army, with a tour in Korea. After his military service, he worked at the Naval Weapons Station as a Safety Specialist until he retired in 1993. While at the Weapons Station, he continued his education at St. Leo College where he received an Associate’s Degree. He served as Union President of NAGE and also served on the board of the Naval Weapons Station Credit Union. Harry was the co-founder of the former C&H Adult Homes, now Tricare, Inc.

Harry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cecile; daughter, Lisa Whiting of Hayes; son, Harry Benjamin (Benny) Stokes III (Laurie) of Hayes; grandchildren, Alisha and Leah Whiting, Tyler and Jared Ricci and Benjamin Grant Stokes, all of Hayes; two sisters, Joan Stokes Jones of Hayes, and Evelyn Stokes Wright (Charles) of Hayes; “daughter,” Donna Moore and sons, Justin and Terrell of Virginia Beach, and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Harry’s life was held on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Lighthouse Worship Center, 4299 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Hayes, Va.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, 2401 Aluminum Avenue, Hampton, Va. 23661, or www.hrfoodbank.org.