Rayford L. Stokes, age 81, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at his home.  He was born  September 18, 1936 in Houston, Texas to Dewey Mack and Grace Jewel Stokes.  Rayford became a lifelong resident of Tomball after moving here at the age of 8.  He was a graduate of Tomball High School, Sam Houston State University and member of First Baptist Church Tomball since 1948.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He lived a full life as a homebuilder and realtor, hunter, fisherman, cattleman, gardener and Cowboys/Aggie fan.  His love for life, Christian faith and gentle acceptance was a blessing to all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father Dewey Mack Stokes; his mother Grace Jewel Stokes and his sister Norma Loretta Fletcher.   He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janie; his daughters and sons- in- law, Ron and Kerrie LeMasters and  Mark and Jana Braly;  his son and daughter- in- law, Russell and Julia Stokes; his grandchildren Matteo and Leah Gonzato, Richard and Lorel Burcaw, Reed and Meagan LeMasters, Jason Stokes, Jared Stokes, Kaitlyn Stokes, Caden Braly and Ashlyn Braly; his great grandchildren Charlotte Gonzato, Kerrie Gonzato, Georgia Gonzato, Lily Burcaw, Kate Burcaw, Jacob Burcaw, Reed LeMasters, Jr. Keely Stokes, Jaxson Stokes and Farrah Stokes.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 2:00PM at First Baptist Church, 401 Oxford St., Tomball, TX.  Burial services will follow the service at Klein Memorial Park, 32539 S. H. 249 Pinehurst, TX.

The family will greet family and friends at the church on Friday from 1:00 until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rayford's name to First Baptist Church Tomball.