I am Big Mike Stokes, eldest son of Sam Stokes. My dad has been a beacon of light throughout my life and many others. He has been the embodiment of what a husband, father, and friend should look like. Over the last year he has had mobility issues, issues breathing, pain, and many other symptoms that could not be diagnosed. He was rushed to the hospital on September 27th, 2025, with issues breathing. Doctors performed a tracheostomy, and he has only been able to breathe with assistance from the ventilator. He received a diagnosis of ALS which explained all of his issues up to this point. Late into the evening on 10/16/25 he made the decision that he had made his peace with his situation and asked that his family be with him as he made his transition to the afterlife. He held out long enough to make that transition on his and my mom’s 38th wedding anniversary. He passed at 01:05 this morning. We are for your support in the next steps for my family in honoring his life and legacy. Seeing from you all and hearing your stories and your unwavering dedication to my family has brought us such peace in our time of need. Thank you all from the bottom

of our hearts.