Dennis was born on April 10, 1949 in Kissimmee, Florida to Clinton Stokes and Doris Massey. He served in the Army National Guard, and was a resident of the Florida Panhandle for the past 38 years since coming from Lake Wales, Florida. He worked at the Department of Agriculture for 32 years before his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Belva Stokes of Chipley, Florida; one son: Dennis Stokes II and wife Kerri of Middleton, Idaho; mother of his son: Laura Stokes of Bartow, Florida; three brothers: Joe Stokes and wife Eglee of Lake Wales, Florida, Donnie Stokes and his wife Millie, of Georgia and Danny Stokes and his wife Amy also of Georgia; two sisters: Linda Hare and husband Johnny of Lake Wales, Florida, Sherry Kitner and husband Blair of Sanford, Florida; three grandchildren: Trey, Kylie, and Ella.

A celebration of life will be held 10A.M., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, Florida.