Words fail to do justice in expressing our thanks to this wonderful community of Andalusia. We, the family of Ryan Stokes, have received an outpouring of love, caring and sympathy in the past month, since June 4th, when he first became sick while on a youth tour to Washington, D.C. His loss was so sudden and unexpected, and difficult to understand – parents and grandparents never expect to outlive their children! However, our faith assures us that God knows best – so that, along with all the prayers and love shown by so many of you, gives us the hope and courage to face each new tomorrow without our sweet boy! He was so proud to call Andalusia home!

We want to extend special thanks to all who have so generously given monetary contributions; to the organizers and attendees of the prayer vigil on his behalf; to Gary Smith, CEO of PowerSouth, for flying family members to D.C. on their corporate plane; to World Strides, the tour group company; to Rep. Martha Roby; to Jed Blackwell, executive director of South Alabama Regional Airport; to Cedar Grove Church of Christ, Ryan’s church family; to Pleasant Home staff and students, especially his class of 2021 and to the FFA, of which he was an officer; and to the following employers of family members: Dor. Mark Gable, Mediacom, Golden Rule Bar-B-Que, and the Covington County Road Department.

Ryan’s short life added so much laughter and goodness to our world. He touched the lives of many in a special way during his 15 ½ years of life, and in death, became “Our Hero” because of the unselfish decision he made 3 ½ months earlier to be an organ donor when he got his driver’s permit. His example tells other young people they can make a difference.

We ask for your continued prayers in our behalf during this, the saddest and most difficult time of our lives.

Roger, Kelly and Andrea Stokes

Roger and JoAnne Miller