John Stokes

John Stokes, or as he preferred to be called, Johnnie Stokes passed away on July 23, 2019. He was born on August 31, 1938 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where his parents, Kelsey and Ora, ran a "one-pump" general store on the road to the lake. He arrived on the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus in the fall of 1960, where he majored in chemical engineering because he liked a challenge. John met Frances Thompson in 1961 and in 1962 they were married, she was his best friend and soulmate who helped him reach his full potential. However, in a switch that would serve him well, Johnnie graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1964. It wasn't long after, in 1967, that Johnnie put his accounting skills to work as a Supervisor in the Department of Research and Accounting at the University of Arkansas, the department in which he would spend the remainder of his distinguished academic career. He advanced rapidly to Research Assistant in 1973 and became the Assistant Director of Research and Sponsored Programs in 1975. Never satisfied with "well enough", Johnnie continued to take classes. He completed both his Master's in Education in 1972, and finished his Doctor of Education in 1975, just in time to put his new knowledge into practice as the Assistant Director. Next, Johnnie became the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs and Technology Transfer in 1991 and served in that capacity until his retirement. In his position as Director of Research and Sponsored Programs, he re-organized the department so University researchers could get any help they needed, from grant origination, to writing the grant proposals and getting them submitted. He then worked with faculty and staff on the post-requirements. Johnnie's knowledge about the grant process was extensive, and his attention to detail, meticulous about following the grant sponsors "rules and regs". However, he was also recognized to have plenty of heart, knowing when he could intervene to help or within the guidelines, better serve the people of Arkansas. Johnnie Stokes served his profession as the Primary Representative to the National Council of University Research Administrators Governmental Relations Committee, the Association of University Managers (AUTM) and the Society of Research Administrators (SRA). Johnnie used hi winsome personality to glean dollar-saving ideas from his peer administrators that he could implement back at the University of Arkansas. In conjunction with his University responsibilities Johnnie, used his people and organizational skills to serve his country as the Commander of the Psychological Operations Unit of the National Guard in Fayetteville, where he proudly served as Major of the Army National Guard. He is survived by his daughter Shannon Davis and husband Shawn of Fayetteville, nephew Steve Dennis and wife Linda, as well as a large group of extended family and lifelong friends. He was a dear husband and most loving and devoted father and friend to many. Visitation will be 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Monday, July 29, 2019 at Moore's Chapel followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, Tennessee or the Washington County Animal Shelter, 801 W. Clydesdale Dr., Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.