Obituary

Raymond Stukes Sr. was a husband, father, Grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and light in so many lives. Growing up in Cayce, SC, Raymond was someone that everyone would gravitate to and immediately want to befriend. His charm and sense of humor was contagious, and you always left any room he was in feeling even better than when you walked in. He just had that effect on people.

Raymond attended Lakeview HS for 3 years and finished up at Brooklyn Cayce HS, for his Senior year where he was a star athlete throughout. He loved football and basketball and continued to play after joining the military in Mar. 1970 for several base teams where he was stationed. After also marrying his best friend, girl of his dreams, and true soulmate Annie Stukes in 1970, they set out on a military life journey that would take them across the world, from Virginia, to the beaches of California, to England, Germany, the freezing temperatures in Michigan’s upper peninsula, to the desert lands of AZ as the final stop. He would serve this country in the USAF for 23 amazing years, retiring as a MSGT at Luke AFB, having earned several awards and honors throughout his career. But he would be the first to tell you his greatest achievement was having created this beautiful village of a family with his wife of 53 years along the way. A legacy he was always so proud of!

After retirement, he got to spend most of his days keeping up with all his kid’s and grandkid’s sports and activities. Family was everything! G-Ma and G-Pa always front and center cheering the kids on every step of the way. No matter how well you thought you did, you were going to get the after-game breakdown session (the long version of course) of that one thing that could have been a little bit better. He couldn’t help himself. He just had a way of forcing you to always be your best self!

Raymond Stukes Sr. had a light that can never be dimmed and his spirit lives in every life he touched. He had a mean two-step that I’m not sure the angels are ready for but nevertheless I’m fairly certain there will be dancing! The Stukes Village is forever strong, and Papa Stukes is still making us all feel just a little bit better knowing he will always be in the room!

Raymond is survived by his wife Annie Stukes, daughter Tamkia (Daniel) Stukes, son Ray Stukes Jr., daughter-in-law Lindsay Stukes, sisters Patricia Stukes Wilson and Angela Stukes Williams, and his brother Darrol Stukes. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Nya Stukes, Jalin Daniel, Saliah Daniel, Treydan Stukes, Terayah Stukes, Lexi-Rayn Stukes, and Denzel Williamson.

A celebration of life is expected to be held in March 2024 and final details will be shared in the coming weeks.