Dr. Larry Donnell Stokes

Dr. Larry Donnell Stokes, a respected retired professor at Savannah State University, passed away on July 10, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. Born on April 24, 1955, Dr. Stokes dedicated his life to education, influencing countless students during his tenure at the university. His contributions to academia and his commitment to fostering a love of learning will be remembered fondly by colleagues and students alike. Larry Stokes was born in the small town of Arcadia, Florida, but grew up in Gainseville, Florida in the home of his aunt and uncle, Peggy and Burl Shade. They raised him along with his four cousins who always considered Larry as a brother. Uncle Burl and Aunt Peggy loved Larry and treated him as their son.

Larry was an accomplished person attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on a football scholarship, earning his bachelor's degree and masters degree. In addition, he was an All American Honorable Mention as a college football player. Thereafter, he earned his doctoral degree from Howard University.

He was a professor at Savannah State University, but also held the positions of department chair and assistant vice president of academic affairs. He retired in 2019, and his passion for tracing his family ancestry grew, along with his love of golf, gardening, and reading African American history. He was a prolific writer and published several academic articles.

He is survived by his beloved wife, the Honorable Judge Tammy Stokes, whom he met and married in 2002. Dr. Stokes was a devoted father to Kendall (Andrew) Bowness and McKenzie (Devon) Sylvester. He took immense pride in being a loving grandfather to Kendall and Andrew's one-year-old twin boys, as well as to McKenzie and Devon's one-year-old son, cherishing every moment spent with his grandchildren. He deeply loved his two daughters, Kendall and McKenzie. He thought nothing of driving the 5 hours from Savannah to Chattanooga for a track meet or school event.

He loved his wife, Tammy, and was truly the wind beneath her wings throughout her judicial career. And not least of all, he was a great cat dad to their Ragdoll cats, Zak and Zoe and before them, Maggie. He was loved and respected by many throughout the years.

He is also survived by his siblings, Florine and Sherri Stokes, who will carry on his legacy of generosity and kindness. Dr. Stokes's warm spirit and dedication to his family and community will leave an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

At his core, Dr. Stokes was steady, kind, and intellectually curious.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19, 2025, at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship, located at 425 W Montgomery Cross Rd, Savannah, GA 31405. The event will commence at 11:00 AM. Friends, family, and community members are invited to gather in honor of Dr. Stokes’s remarkable life and enduring impact. *** This service will be live-streamed by Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship and we will share this live-stream on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KingdomLifeSav

https://www.facebook.com/adamsfuneralservices 

In lieu of flowers please donate to Park Place Outreach. 514 East Henry Street 31401 in memory of Dr. Stokes.