Oliver Charles Stokes

Army

Colonel Oliver Charles Stokes Jr., US Army Retired, affectionately known as “Renzy” to his family, passed away on November 27, 2024, at his home in Sierra Vista, AZ. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 15, 1939, to Mary Catherine and Oliver Charles Stokes Sr, he lived a life marked by achievement, service, and dedication to his loved ones.

A gifted student, Oliver graduated as valedictorian from Sollers Point High School in Turner Station, MD, in 1957. He received a scholarship to Johns Hopkins University, where he joined the Army ROTC program and earned a degree in electrical engineering in 1961, graduating as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He later obtained a master’s degree from George Washington University, furthering his commitment to academic and professional excellence.

Oliver’s distinguished military career included being stationed in Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Belgium and throughout the US (Ft. Monmouth, NJ, Ft. Bliss, TX, Ft. Lawton, WA, Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Yuma, AZ, Washington, D.C. and Adelphi, MD), where he worked in communications and electronics engineering, intelligence, warfare science and technology, weapons acquisition, and US Army Material Command Research and Development   He has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

In 1985, he achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first African American commander of the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona. He significantly contributed to the Army's testing and development efforts. His last assignment was in Adelphi, MD, as the Director of Target Acquisition for Army Weapons Systems.

Outside of his military service and spending time with his wife, Oliver had a passion for dogs and explored the world of HAM radios. He also enjoyed indulging in photography, fishing, and immersing himself in books.

Oliver leaves behind a legacy of dedication and resilience. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Erescene Johnson-Stokes (March 2, 2019). He is survived by his brother, Donald Stokes of Baltimore, MD; his sister, Cynthia Chideya of Gaithersburg, MD; his three daughters, Maria-Terese Johnson (Brent Johnson) of Mesa, AZ; Catherine McKinney (Gregg McKinney) of DeSoto, TX; and Olivia Hudson (Wilbur Hudson III) of Scottsdale, AZ; his five grandchildren, Nyomi Hudson, Jocelyn Johnson, Nicole Hudson, Matthew McKinney, and Brian Johnson; and his two great-grandchildren, Cora Johnson and Sebastian Johnson.

Oliver’s life was a testament to hard work and service, and he will be missed by all who knew him. A committal service will be held for Oliver at 10:00 am on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.