John Lloyd Stokely

John Lloyd Stokely, 89, passed away on March 15 at his home in White Pine, TN, surrounded by his family after a period of declining health. John L was born at home in Houston Valley, TN on December 16,th 1935 to John Clay and Nola Turner Stokely. He was the youngest of three children. From humble beginnings, John L started working in grade school. His first job was delivering The Grit newspaper. He was also a volunteer fireman and worked at Stokely Van Camp during his high school years. He lost his mother when he was 15 years old, leaving him and his father at home. He graduated from Cocke County High School in 1955 then enlisted in the Air Force and served nearly 4 years. He completed tech school in Chanute AFB in Illinois and served over 3 years at Tool/Rogiere A B, France. He was a weather observer in Detachment 5 of the 31st Weather Squadron. He received an honorable discharge in May 1959. He joined Phillips Consumer Electronics in 1959 and during his 32 years of service, worked at the Jefferson City, Morristown, Greeneville, and Mexico facilities. He married the love of his life Nancy Lee Jones on July 22, 1961 and had two daughters. John L took his strong work ethic and faith and applied that to his service at White Pine First Church of God as well as Morristown and Newport First Church of God. He was an adult Sunday school teacher, youth director, Sunday School Superintendent, Board of Trustee member and facilities coordinator. He loved taking the youth on camp outs and adventures, sharing his love of the outdoors and showing God’s love to everyone he knew. John L had a unique curiosity and enjoyed learning. He was a ham radio operator, woodworker, enjoyed tying flies, loved poetry, football, his role as grandfather and great grandfather, enjoyed his I-pad. He was a man of many talents. He could wire houses, repair electronics, TVs, rebuild car engines, restored antique furniture, and perform masonry work. In 1991, John L retired from Phillips and the fishing opportunities multiplied. He was an avid fisherman and for much of his retirement, fishing was a daily activity. John L. was preceded in death by his parents John Clay Stokely and Nola Turner Stokely, his sister Laura Kathleen Owens Moore, brother James Allan Stokely, nephews Eddie Owens and James Moore Stokely, niece, Debbie Owens Stokely. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Lee Jones Stokely, their daughters Lesa Lee Larkins (Larry Larkins) of Church Hill; Jeannie Renee Miller (Brian Miller) of Kingsport. Grandchildren Crystal Epps, Rock Hill, SC: Justin Larkins (Kiesha Larkins), Fall Branch; Adam Miller (Maggie Mobley), Nashville; Drew Miller, Atlanta, GA. Step grandsons, Nikki Larkins, Church Hill; Zane Larkins (Lori Larkins) Kingsport. Four great grandchildren and 5 step grandchildren. Arrangements are being handled by Manes Funeral Home in Newport, TN. Receiving of Friends will be Tuesday evening, March 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm followed by a celebration service from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, in Manes Funeral Home Chapel. Family and friends may sign the guest register online: at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Manes Funeral Home in Newport, TN.

John Lloyd Stokely

December 16, 1935 - March 15, 2025