Tommy Ray Stocks

A well known gentleman to many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mr. Tommy Ray Stocks passed away in Yreka on May 5, 2011. He was age 73 at his passing. Ray was born in Pitt County, NC. Ray had 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Ray had just begun high school when his dad was killed by being kicked in the head by a mule. His mother died shortly thereafter of diabetes. After finishing the 10th grade he left school and went to work for a road maintenance crew. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy. He was assigned to the battleship USS Rochester. He served during the Korean War and was proud of his time spent in service for our country. In 1955, Ray was 18 years old and stationed in Long Beach. While on leave with two of his buddies, he met Judy Herr. Within a short amount of time they became sweethearts. Judy was 15 when they met. They dated all through her high school years. Ray even took Judy to her senior prom! When Ray got out of the Navy in 1958, he needed a place to live and took a room with Judy’s best friend Sharon and her husband. He got a job at the 7-up plant and was trying to save money to marry Judy. Ray and Judy wanted to get married, but Judy's mom wouldn't let them get married until Judy turned 18. She turned 18 on Sept. 4, 1958 and they were married on Sept. 19, 1958. They had two children, Dan and Shirley. Due to some discomfort in his shoulder, Ray went to the doctor and found out that he had rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors advised Ray to live in a drier climate, so the family moved from Montara to Las Vegas in 1964. The arthritis continued to get worse and the climate didn't seem to help. In 1965, the family moved back to the S.F. Bay Area and bought their first home over looking the ocean in Montara. By the late 1970's, Ray's arthritis was so bad that he was unable to work. In 1980, after Dan & Shirley finished high school, they sold their home and bought a home in Yreka. While living in the bay area, the family would go camping in the redwoods and at the beach. Ray loved to fish. Another favorite past time of Ray's was playing games with his family. He loved working on cars, but as the arthritis progressed, there were very few things that he was able to participate in. Most family vacations were spent fishing and visiting family in Hornbrook, Montague, and Sawyers Bar. Being retired in Yreka gave Ray & Judy the opportunity to go fishing all the time. He and Judy would go camping and fishing all over northern California. Sadly, Judy got cancer and died in 1999. This had a profound affect on his life. Not long after Judy had joined the church Ray took the missionary discussions and joined the church himself. It completely changed his life. He was a different person after that. He dedicated his life to serving and he didn't let his disabilities slow him down. The Yreka Ward became his family. He loved them very much. The gospel gave him the opportunity to be sealed to his wife for eternity and they are together now. Ray & Judy died on the same day, 12 years apart. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dan & Deanna Stocks of Arroyo Grande, CA; his daughter Shirley Stocks of Roseville, CA; his five grandchildren; his brother, Leedrew Stocks of North Carolina; and numerous members of his church family. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Ray’s family is having a memorial service for him at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 12:00 Noon. Immediately following will be a dedication of his grave and military honors at Evergreen Cemetery.

Tommy Ray Stocks

May 26, 1937 - May 5, 2011