Mr. Billy Ray Stokes, born July 15, 1943, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, at his home in the Woodlands in Pensacola, Florida on Thursday March 13, 2014, after a long, hard and brave battle with esophageal cancer. Billy was an avid gardener; you could always find him in his yard with his flowers. Proceeded in death by his mother: Grace Ingram Stokes and father Lester T. stokes, and maternal grand-parents: Katheryn Stafford Ingram and Samuel C. Ingram. paternal grandparents: Mattie Cobb Stokes and George C. Stokes. Billy is survived by his one brother: Jerry Wayne Stokes and his wife Janice Stokes. Three nephews: Donald W. Stokes, Stanley Jackson and Douglas Jackson. Two nieces: Connie Stokes and Lori Elder and her husband, Mark Elder. Three great nephews: Ashton Jernigan, Devin Austin and Cory Stokes. One great niece, Alayna Jackson. A very beloved and devoted friend, like a sister to Billy, Sue Hawthorne and a loving and devoted friend, Judy Johnson. Two very special cousins: Thelma Wendt and Nancy Walters. Four very special friends: Jim and Nancy Williamson, Dan and Natalie Soloway. So many close and dear friends and neighbors. Billy’s devoted loyal friend and cat buddy, Prince Harry Stokes. From Billy “I would like to say thank you to three very special people from Emerald Coast Hospice: Sherry, Megan and Jason for all the kindness and love they have showed me and for being there. Also a thank you to the staff at Emerald Coast Hospice for all your kindness and help." Funeral Services for Billy will be 11:00 am Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel. Chaplin Jason Adams will officiate. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Friday, March 21, 2014 from 6pm until 8 pm at the funeral home. To honor Billy's life, there will be a Celebration Gathering after the funeral services, at a venue to be announced. “A Message From Heaven” Perhaps you aren't ready yet to have to say good-bye, Perhaps you've thought of things you wish you had of said...well so have I. For one thing I'd have told you not to worry about me, I am with the Lord in Heaven now you knew that's where I'd be. I'm sorry if you're feeling sad... I'm so happy now... I've asked the Lord to heal the hurt and comfort you somehow. It's hard at the beginning I know you'll make it through, I hope it helps to know I'll be waiting here for you.