[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 183 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S JAMES 
                     RANDELL ``RANDY'' STOKES, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that 
I rise to honor the life and dedicated service of James Randell 
``Randy'' Stokes, Sr. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, who died on 
December 8, 2015.
  Mr. Stokes was born in Andalusia, Alabama in the fall of 1932. During 
the Korean War, he left high school to join the United States Army and 
became an intelligence sergeant. Although only 18 years old, he 
graduated in the top eight from the Light Artillery Battalion 
Leadership School. In 1952, Mr. Stokes was honorably discharged and 
returned home to Andalusia to finish high school, where he lettered in 
football, basketball, baseball, and track. Following graduation, he 
attended Troy State University to play football and study engineering. 
Then, in 1954, he transferred to Auburn University where he received 
his Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
  In 1959, Mr. Stokes moved to Fort Walton Beach, the city he would 
call home until his passing. Upon arriving in Florida, he began working 
at Ricks and Kendrick Architect, Inc. and became partner after 10 
years. In 1988, he started his own firm--Stokes Architectural, Inc.
  Mr. Stokes has been honored by the Florida Association of the 
American Institute of Architects for his leadership and community 
service benefitting the profession of architecture. His architectural 
work is on display in many Northwest Florida landmarks, including Saint 
Mary's School and Church in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville High School, 
Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach High School, Northwest 
Florida State College, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of 
Commerce building, the Walton County Chamber of Commerce building, 
White Wilson Medical Center, and Westwood Retirement Center, among 
others.
  In addition to his architectural contributions, Mr. Stokes was a 
leader in Northwest Florida's civic society, serving as president of 
the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, twice as president 
of the local YMCA, councilmember and Mayor of the City of Mary Esther, 
president of the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club, and a member of the 
Krewe of Bowlegs.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am 
proud to honor the dedicated service of Randy Stokes. Vicki and I will 
keep his entire family, especially his son, James Jr. and daughter-in-
law, Andrea; daughter, Judy and son-in-law, Ken; daughter, Jennifer; 
daughter, Janet and son-in-law, Don; as well as his grandchildren Ross, 
Annie, Ryan, Christina, Drew, Conner, LylaKae, Bryna, Rand, and Champ; 
his nieces Terri and Mellie; and his siblings Betty, Tommy, Kevin, 
Jerry, and Silvia in our thoughts and prayers.

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