David Kershaw Stokes

Inman, SC
David K. Stokes, Jr., MD, Ph.D.

Dr. David Kershaw Stokes, Jr., 88, of Inman, SC, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015 at his home. A native of Camden, SC, he was the son of the late David K. Stokes, Sr. and Annie Bell Smith Stokes. He was a graduate of Clemson University, University of Georgia, Texas A & M, and the Medical University of South Carolina. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 - 1947. He taught Voc. Ag. at New Prospect High School from 1948 - 1951. He did his internship at Spartanburg General Hospital and practiced medicine in Inman from 1959 - 1972. He left private practice in 1972 to develop the Family Practice Residency Program at Spartanburg General Hospital. Dr. Stokes made two trips to Africa as a short-term missionary physician at the Baptist Medical Center, Nalerigu, Ghana. He left the Family Practice Residency Program in 1980 to do a sabbatical in Glascow, Scotland in geriatric medicine. On his return, he taught geriatric medicine in the Family Practice Residency Program. He served as Medical Director at Camphaven Nursing Home from 1965 - 1992; Medical Director and attending physician at Valley Falls Nursing Home from 1992 - 2003; Medical Director and attending physician at Tryon Estates for two years. He was a member of the Inman Rotary Club from 1959 until his death, he was a Paul Harris fellow and was a member of the American Geriatric Society from 1962 until his death. He was a founding member of the American Medical Directors Association and national president in 1984. Member of South Carolina Medical Association from 1959 until his death, member of Spartanburg County Medical Society serving as President in 1972. Member of AMA from 1959 until his death, member of American Academy of Family Physicians and member of District One school board from 1961 - 1979, serving as chairman 15 of the 18 years. He was an avid Clemson fan, season ticket holder to all home football games from 1959 until his death. He loved pheasant hunting in Kansas as long as he can make the trip. Dr. Stokes was a member of Inman First Baptist Church serving several terms as a deacon and was assistant Sunday School teacher. He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Todd Webb Stokes; two daughters, Donna Stokes Cothran (Jack) of Troutville, VA, Tina Stokes Reid (Ervin) of Campobello, SC, a son, David K. Stokes, III (Beverly) of Simpsonville, SC, two step-sons, Johnnie E. Webb, Jr. (Phyllis) of Nashville, TN, R. Todd Webb (Marianne) of Plano, TX, grandchildren, Michael Stokes, Joseph Stokes, Molly Cothran, Maddie Cothran, Samuel Reid, step-grandchildren, Johnathan Webb, Joseph Webb, Garen Webb, Tanner Webb, Lanson Webb, Ashlee Webb Thompson (Mark), Kyle Webb, step-great grandchildren, Mikayla Webb, Kaleb Webb and Emilynn Thompson, brother, William "Bo" Stokes (Ann) of Antioch and sister Molly Brown (Olin) of Columbia, SC. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by sisters, Margaret "Bill" Brown, Marie Bell and brothers, LeRoy Stokes, George Donald Stokes and Clarence Stokes. The family is at his home and will receive friends Monday, December 14, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Seawright Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Inman First Baptist Church conducted by Dr Paul Moore and Rev Jeremiah Childers. Burial will be in Boiling Springs Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Inman First Baptist Church building fund, 14 North Howard Street, Inman, SC 29349 or SC Baptist Ministeries for the Aging, 190 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4277.
Seawright Funeral Home & Crematory
www.seawright-funeralhome.com