Virgil Lee Stokes of Hodges Texas passed through death unto life – true life- on July 28 2013 at a local hospital at the age of 74. Virgil was born May 24 1939 in Abilene Texas to Virgil Hanson and Sallie Faye Vaughn Stokes. He graduated from Hawley High School in 1957 and in 1961 married the love of his life Betty Rosa Wilkins and was a faithful husband to her until her death in 2006. Virgil was self-employed for 40 years in different endeavors from pipe fitting to mechanics and from dirt work to the trucking business. He enjoyed most working on the farm and tending to the animals. Virgil was a member of Hodges Baptist Church and had served there a number of years as a deacon. Preceding him in death were his parents two sisters Brenda Stockton and Linda Meeks and one brother Timothy Stokes and the first love of his life Betty "Granny" Stokes. Virgil is survived by his wife Ruth and children: Bryan and wife Jetta of Hawley TX Paul and wife Marci of Hawley TX and Amanda Thompson and husband Jeremy of Hawley TX. He was "Grandaddy" to Hank Pryce Quay Sally Tate & Bo. He is survived by two brothers John Stokes of Weatherford TX and Bill Stokes of Lake Coleman TX and a host of many many friends and loved ones. Serving as pall bearers are Johnny Ballard Willie Carothers Steve Harp Carl Reeves Bill Schumacher and Wayne Thompson. Honorary pall bearers are Tommy Faulks Kerry Walker and the deacons he had served with through the years. Our precious Grandaddy was a true character one-of-a-kind larger-than life and full of spirit. If you ever met him you didn't forget it. Services will be held Friday August 2 2013 at Hodges Baptist Church at 10 a.m. with burial following at Midway Cemetery Hodges Texas. Officiating the service will be Rocky Burrow Jeff Reid and Matt Cheevers. Visitation will be Thursday at North's Funeral Home 242 Orange St. in Abilene TX from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hodges Baptist Church Youth Fund or the charity of your choice. "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.