Stephen V. Stokely

Stephen V. Stokely December 08, 2023. Stephen Vinson Stokely, 82, of Del Rio, TN, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. Early the next morning, the pale orange clouds above the mountains revealed a perfect rainbow in the West as the sun came up, letting the family know he was home. Steve is survived by his beloved wife Dianne Stokely, daughters Melina Stokely(Newport), Cricket Vauthier Roemer and husband Nils (Frisco, TX), and Lori Ann Thornton (Frisco), grandsons Jackson M. Vauthier, Wyatt B. Vauthier, Aidan L. Thornton, Christopher B. Thornton, Jonas H. Roemer and Max L. Roemer (Frisco), his sister, Laura Ann Williford and husband, Dan (Del Rio), and brother Tommy Stokely and wife, Barbara (Del Rio). Additionally Steve is survived by his dogs Haylee, Rocky, Jack and Maggie and many loyal friends and extended family. Steve was predeceased by his father Hubert Stokely and mother Essie Stokely of Del Rio. Steve has served as Election Commissioner for Cocke County since 2003. He was awarded the Colonel Aide de Camp Award, the highest award available given by the Tennessee Governor for an individual’s outstanding achievement, in 2003. A member of the 1959 graduating class from Cocke County High School, Steve also studied History at Southwest Tennessee Community College, where he was awarded top history student. Among his professions, he has been a Rodman for the State of Tennessee, a tractor trailer driver for Sunoco, a CTV Driver and Large Vehicle Driving Instructor at FedEx, a private investor and trader as well as a cattle farmer in Del Rio. Steve and Dianne married in 1990 and lived in many places including San Antonio, Chicago, Miami and Memphis before moving back home to Del Rio in 1997 where they have enjoyed spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. Steve’s curiosity, inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove his interests. His passions included the stock market, collecting coins and antiquities, and especially working to improve the farm. Steve was an internationally recognized PGCS numismatist with several collections, and in preparation for travel to another country, Steve would brush up on learning phrases in the language to prepare. He and Dianne traveled throughout Europe, Asia and North America, but Steve’s favorite places tended to lean toward his love for history, Germany and France in particular. A consummate fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers Football team as well as their basketball teams, Steve could most often be found watching games on tv, at Neyland Stadium whenever possible and with luck, attending the SEC Championship game. Steve felt fortunate to have witnessed four of UT’s six national championships over the course of his life. He was eternally optimistic for the seventh at the start of each season. Steve enjoyed watching all sports, some of which he adopted after his grandsons became active in soccer, or went to other universities whose teams he would follow as well as Tennessee. In addition, Steve thoroughly enjoyed rock music and could be found at rock concerts with Dianne or listening to the Eagles full blast in his home surrounded by his dogs. Above all else, Steve loved his family. His relationships with his daughters and grandsons were not unlike his other interests in that he was all in. He prioritized spending time and supporting them in any way needed, sharing as much information and history, both general and local, as possible. He and Dianne adopted numerous dogs, cats, horses and other animals over the years as they couldn’t bear one being mistreated or not having a home. Steve was proud to be from Del Rio and even when he lived elsewhere, his heart was still in Tennessee. A lifelong student, Steve with his wife, Dianne, created endowed scholarships that prioritized students from Cocke County at the University of Tennessee Veterinary School and Carson-Newman University as well as distributed numerous individual scholarships independently and through Del Rio Ruritan Club, where they were both members. Services will be held at Manes Funeral Home in Newport, TN on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. for visitation, 1:00 p.m. for celebration of life service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Isaiah 117 House, Cocke County, TN. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: http://www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Stephen V. Stokely

July 7, 1941 - December 8, 2023