RALEIGH, N.C. - The Reverend George E. Stokes Jr. passed away on Monday, June 27, 2011, in Raleigh, N.C., after a long illness. He was 89. George was born on July 23, 1921, in Norfolk, Va. He was the eldest son of George E Stokes Sr., and Rosina Noe Stokes. He had two brothers, Paul W. and William N. He married Nancy Bell Thomas on Dec. 26, 1960. George lived a life of service and dedication to the Lord and mankind. After serving in the Army Air Corps 27th ATG, 312th squadron, he completed a Bachelor of Arts U.S. degree in English at The University of the South and went on to attain a Masters of Divinity degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary. George served for 35 years as an Episcopal priest in parishes in North Carolina, Va., Ohio, New York and Delaware, during which time he touched many, many lives and developed friendships that he valued dearly. After retiring, George continued to serve as rector emeritus in the Diocese of Delaware until 2004. George will be remembered as a loving father, a devoted husband, and an empathetic and generous server of the community. For leisure, George enjoyed the arts and was in tune with nature. He was an avid collector of paintings and antiques and was skilled in painting and refinishing. He loved music of all kinds and was especially fond of children's choral music. He was a conservationist who found peace at the beach and in the garden where he tended to plants and kept the birds fed. George was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; and his brothers, Paul and William. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Margaret and David Robbinson; David and Myranda Stokes; and Michael and Sabrina Stokes; as well as five grandchildren, David Robbinson, Roland Robbinson, Wright Stokes, Hunter Stokes, and Thomas Stokes. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at Short Funeral Services, 609 East Market Street Georgetown, DE 19947. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, July 1, at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 122 East Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947. George contributed to many charities. In lieu of flowers, people may consider donating to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, or the American Council of the Blind.