Gene Austin Stokes

Sumter, SC .......... Gene Austin Stokes, age 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Sumter Terrace Assisted Living in Sumter, SC. 

Born on January 13, 1928, in Florence, SC, he was the son of the late Carter Stokes and Annie Laurie Carter Stokes.  After graduating from high school, Gene joined the US Navy and served from October 1947 to November 1949.  Gene was a man who had many accomplishments during his life; however, the one he cherished the most was winning the first organized stock car race at Daytona in 1959.  He began working with Bowman Industries in 1961 and remained there for 37 years, retiring in 1988.  Gene served as their Southeast Regional Director and was instrumental in developing a long-term involvement with NASSCAR.  

Gene is survived by a daughter, Lawayne Bradshaw and husband Freddie of Dalzell, SC; three grandchildren, Lawton Bradshaw, Heather Bradshaw, and Jaime McGill, and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Eunice M. Stokes, his former wife, Juanita P. Stokes, and two brothers, Jennings Stokes and Carter Stokes.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery with Dr. Steve Williams officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

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