William "Bill" Robert Stokely

William Robert “Bob” Stokely, 83, of Fuqua-Varina, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 7, 1943, in Edenton, North Carolina. Bob was the son of the late William H. Stokely and the late Annie Ruth Hughes Stokely.

Bob lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to family, and defined by a lifetime of serving others. Whether in his church, his profession, his community, or his home, Bob sought to reflect God’s love through humility, kindness, and quiet acts of service.

Bob earned his degree in physical therapy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill before honorably serving his country in the United States Army for two years as a physical therapist. He continued his military service for many years in the Army Reserve and dedicated his professional life to helping others as a physical therapist. Over the course of his distinguished career, he co-owned a successful private practice before serving as Director of Physical Therapy at Community General Hospital in Thomasville, North Carolina. During the final years of his career, he found great joy providing home health care, bringing compassionate care directly to his patients. He was admired for his knowledge, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of those he served.

Bob’s commitment to serving others extended well beyond his profession. He was a church deacon and an active member of the Jamestown Rotary Club, where he served as president and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Baptist Men’s ministries, and countless other service organizations. Whether helping build a home, supporting his church, or caring for a patient, Bob quietly reflected Christ’s love through his actions.

Bob remained a lifelong Tar Heel and devoted member of the Rams Club for more than fifty years. He rarely missed a home football game and few things brought him greater joy than cheering on his beloved Tar Heels alongside family and friends. He also found pleasure in reading, gardening, and traveling.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Deborah Warford Stokely; his daughters, Stephanie Stokely Wyche (Tad) and Catherine Stokely Frye (Chad); his five treasured grandchildren who knew him as their Papa; Feild Wyche, Ruth Wyche Gentry (Tyler), Marianne Stokely, William Frye, and Jackson Frye; his sister, Ruth Lupton; his brother, Joseph Stokely (Amelia); along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maryanne Overton Stokely, and his son, Robert Tyler Stokely.

Bob will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, generous heart, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy of kindness, service, and devotion to God will continue to live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Rich Fork Baptist Church in Thomasville, North Carolina. Visitation to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bob’s memory to the Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina or Samaritan’s Purse, two ministries that were especially meaningful to him.

The family also wishes to thank the staff of UNC Rex hospitals and Heartland Hospice for their kindness and compassion during Bob’s final days.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.