Leonard W. Stokes

Leonard "Lenny" Wayne Stokes, 88, of Concord, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

Lenny was born April 9, 1938 in Sioux City, lowa to George Stokes and Eva Stokes, he was also preceded in death by both parents along with brothers George, William and Harold Stokes.

Lenny lived a full and remarkable life shaped by service, hard work, and a deep love for the people around him. As a young man, he proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall and the coming Berlin Crisis. After his military service in 1963, Lenny spent the next 56 years behind the wheel as a short and long distance truck driver and in 2019, retiring at 81 years old with C & C Power. Most of all, Lenny was an extraordinary softball player. He played 16 inch softball beginning in 1958 and was inducted into Chicago's 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame in 2023 at the age of 85.

Celebration of Life held from 12 - 6pm, on May 30th at the home of Len and Judy Stokes. Graveside services will be held at the VA National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina date and time to be determined.

Survivors include his bride of 67 years, Judy Ellen Stokes of Concord, NC, son, Ricky Wayne Stokes, daughter-in-law Karina Textor-Stokes, granddaughter Sabrina Stokes, granddaughter Nicki Stokes, daughter, Traci Lynn Ballard of Concord, NC, son-in-law, Chad Ballard of Concord, NC, grandson, Noah Ballard, grandson, Matthew Ballard, sister, Darlene Cullnan, sister, Shirley Hammond, brother, Ray Stokes.

His life reflected the words of 1 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

No memorials or donations accepted in exchange; say a prayer, play a game of poker, go fishing, watch a ball game or chill out and watch an old western in his honor.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Stokes family.