Billy Joe "B,J. Stokes

Billy Joe "B.J." Stokes, 76, of Kevil, KY, passed away on December 17, 2023, at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah, KY. He was born on Tuesday August 19, 1947, in Paducah, KY to Clarence Edward Stokes and Vera Grace (Timmons) Stokes. B.J. is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Paulette (Hausman) Stokes, his son Charles Allen Stokes of Paducah, KY, his daughter Erica Lynn (Stokes) Johnson of Kevil, KY, his 17-year-old granddaughter Cadence Elise Johnson of Metropolis, IL, whom he was immensely proud of. He was always amazed how quickly she guessed the puzzles when they'd watch Wheel of Fortune together, his 11-year-old grandson Drey Lathan Stokes, whom he affectionately called "Bubba", of Kevil, KY. B.J. was trying to get better so he could watch Drey skeet shoot and show off his skills to his Grandpa. He is also survived by his beloved sister Sharon Humphrey of Paducah, KY, sister-in-law Regina "Corky" Stokes of Paducah, KY, his mother-in-law Margaret (Kommer) Pogue of Metropolis, IL, his sister-in-law Sara (Mike) Kimmel of Arnold, MO, sister-in law Karen Friese of Jackson, MO as well as  his many cousins, nephews, nieces, and extended family. B.J. also leaves behind is loyal companion, his cat Lucky who followed him everywhere.

B.J. was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Stokes, his mother, Vera Stokes, his brother Clarence Eugene "Gene" Stokes, his brother David Edward Stokes and his brother-in-law Toy Humphrey. B.J. was also preceded in death by his beloved dogs Troll, Vindi, Misty, Ginger, Leo, Hogan, Onyx, Snickers and Mylo all of which he spoiled and missed dearly.

B.J. was a 1966 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School. After High School he put himself through Paducah Technical School, while working nights at Western Baptist Hospital in Central Supply.

B.J. was an avid fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a adventurous spirit and if he set his mind to doing something he did it. In his younger years he loved riding his dirt bike and he enjoyed doing obedience and utility training with his German Shepherds and Brussels Griffon dogs. He participated in many dogs shows as a judge and competed his dogs in many dog shows, winning several trophies and ribbons for it. While a prankster, he was very serious and focused with his dog training, obedience and utility trials.  In his later years, he began woodworking and handcrafted beautiful pieces of furniture, cabinets, duck calls, wooden airplanes and clocks that he would give away to family. He also enjoyed photography and entered many of his pictures into competitions. His other interests involved the love of archeology, architecture and antiques. His interests also included researching and learning about many historical places, events and people. He was a walking book about outlaw Jesse James, the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair or archeology. If he was interested in a subject he'd become an expert on it.

To his family, B.J. was a prankster and he had a good sense of humor. He would laugh about past pranks like once gluing a quarter to the floor where he worked and watching all his coworkers try to pick it up. When prank novelties items were popular he was the first to go buy whoopee cushions and exploding peanut cans and play pranks often to the chagrin of his wife.

B.J. retired from what is known known as USEC as a Senior Engineering Technician. Many times traveling with their dad B.J.'s children would listen to him remark how the bridge they just went across he helped structural design it. Now all those stories and pranks will be greatly missed.

There will be no visitation or  funeral. His family will hold a private burial at later date. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to  The Gangsters to help this group feed, neuter and spay the many feral cats in McCracken County, KY.

B.J. will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of many.