The family of Dale Lee Stokes III, of Grand Saline and Lytle areas, is deeply grieved by his passing on September 5, 2021 at the age of 33. Dale, affectionately known as Trey by his family, was born June 18, 1988 at Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio.
Trey would have celebrated twelve years of marriage on September 22nd with his best friend, cheerleader, and devoted wife, Cynthia M. Stokes. His children Kylee Perez, Xander Stokes, and Zoey Stokes are already missing their fun-loving daddy. Trey’s death leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his parents Dale (Bubba) Stokes II and Kelly Bailey Stokes, as well as his sister Misti Dawn Runyan, brother-in-law Brian Runyan, niece Savannah Runyan, nephew Remington Runyan, and grandmother Mrs. Dale L. Stokes.
Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins adored Dale, as well as the family he inherited through marriage. Being the most likable guy anyone could ever meet afforded him the opportunity to build bonds with friends who became loved like brothers, friends who would do anything for each other.
Dale’s life influenced so many more than could ever be named, but he will be greatly missed by his entire work family at Hospitality ER in Tyler, Texas where he enjoyed serving the community and supervising his fellow health care providers as Lead Paramedic. Dale lived with a great respect and deep love for those in upper management at Hospitality, he often talked about how well they treated their employees, and Dale’s family has seen firsthand the grace and generosity that Dale so loved about the people he worked with.
Dale was predeceased by his son Zayne Stokes, two of his sister’s babies in heaven, and three grandparents: Dale L. Stokes, Melvin H. Bailey, and Shirley A. Bailey.
To know Dale was to know laughter, both long and loud, to know unconditional love and acceptance without judgment. His larger than life personality was marked by honesty, wise cracks, and an uncanny ability to say what everyone else was thinking. Dale was known for having an opinion and offering it, for bringing comic relief to really difficult circumstances, and for encouraging everyone around him to do their very best at the job set before them.
To be hugged by Dale was to be enveloped in the coziness of the most genuine arms of friendship. To know him as a friend was to experience personal phone calls over impersonal texts. Walking away from Dale brought a smile and an awareness of being made to feel seen, noticed, and valued by him. He forgot sometimes to use his gift of encouragement, but he was always a magnet that drew others to him.
He modeled a great work ethic and excelled at everything he put his hands to on the job. He enjoyed building relationships with his coworkers, growing in his skills as a medical professional, learning about the business side of running a hospital, and caring for his patients. He loved taking care of people, because Dale loved people. He often talked about going to school to become a RN, or even a doctor.
Outside of work, Dale enjoyed living life to the fullest. He gathered friends on the basketball court as often as possible, on the softball field with his Frequent Flyers team from work, and through the screen with his video gaming skills he enjoyed with people from all over.
As much as Dale loved fishing, guns, motorcycles, and his favorite player Lebron James, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He loved watching his son play baseball, and he was great at helping kids improve their skills in sports. He enjoyed sharing his love for gaming with his children as well as his niece and nephew.
A celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at Community Baptist Church, 441 State Highway 132 North, Devine, Texas 78016 on Saturday, September 18, 2021 beginning at 1:00 pm.