Ronnie Albert Stokes 75 of Abilene died peacefully at his home on Tuesday March 20 2012. A funeral service will be held on Saturday March 24 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in North's Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jim Ritter officiating. Burial will follow in the Hamby Cemetery . The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday evening at North's Funeral Home 242 Orange St .   Ronnie was born June 28 1936 to John and Estelle Stokes in Littlefield Texas . He grew up in the Afton Community; graduating from Patton Springs High School . He attended the Minnesota School of Medical Technology. He married Helen Deatherage June 1 1957 at Camp Pendleton California . Ronnie joined the Navy in 1955 and served two tours in Viet Nam . During his Navy career he served in California; Texas; Maryland; Rhode Island; Naples Italy; Rota Spain and last in Maine where he retired in 1977. Then along with his family he returned to Texas .   Ronnie had a love for people often making them feel part of his family. He enjoyed sports hunting collecting and restoring old cars especially classic Cadillacs.   Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents. One daughter Emmi Lee who was born and died February 27 1959.   Ronnie is survived by his wife Helen Stokes of 55 years of marriage. Two daughters and their families. Connie Stokes Greeley and husband Mario sons; Oliver and Nicholas Greeley of Denton Texas . Cathie Stokes Barnett and husband Kennett sons Jarred and John Barnett; daughters Jessica and Julia Barnett of Castle Rock Colorado . One sister Katherine C. Wilson of Fairfield Texas and her children and their families.   Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com