R. Oneal Stokes

Funeral services for R. Oneal Stokes will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 at 1 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Matt Pittman officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 from 11 a.m. until service time at McClain-Hays Funeral Home. Mr. Stokes, 83, of Philadelphia passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Mr. Oneal was born to Marshall and Helen Stokes and was raised in Coye Community of Kemper County. He attended Lynville and Bond Schools and was a graduate of the first class at Neshoba Central, and attended ECJC and then entered OCS training school for the Army. He proudly served his country for 22 plus years in Materials Service MGT.1, where he received several awards and medals for his service: Good Conduct Medal/ Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars/ Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal/Army Commendation Medal ( 2Oak Leaf Clusters)//Bronze Star Medal/National Defense Metal/Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)// Meritorious Unit Citation (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)/ Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm/Army Service Ribbon//Overseas Service Ribbon/Alabama Commendation Medal. He loved to grow sugar cane and attend auctions. Mr. Stokes was a member of Coy Community Church. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Joyce Fox Stokes of Philadelphia; son, Shane Stokes (Marlee) of Kemper County; granddaughter, Adycyn Stokes; sisters-in-law, Carol Fox Taylor of Philadelphia and Matty Jo Fox of McNeil, MS; several nieces, nephews and their families. Mr. Stokes was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Helen Stokes; grandparents, Earl and Macy Pickett; sister, Jolene Clark; brothers, Arron, Denson and Kenneth Stokes. Pallbearers are, Alan Taylor, Kenny Stallings, Reese Stallings, Mack Fox, Jr., Scott Fox and Britt Fox. Honorary Pallbearers are, Doug Johnson and Charles Stokes.