Loyd Wade Stokes, Jr.  received his bachelor's degree in politics from Wake Forest University, where he was student body president and a member of the fraternal order Delta Kappa Epsilon.

A lifelong Demon Deacon, Wade returned to Wake Forest as the director of development for the Wake Forest University School of Divinity in 1997, where he continued his career in University Advancement for nearly two decades before becoming assistant dean of Advancement at Virginia Tech, executive director of development for the Arizona State University Foundation and most recently, assistant dean of Advancement for the School of Arts and Sciences at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. 

Wade was known for his quick wit, fun-loving spirit and love for his family, his alma mater and the Blue Ridge Mountains of his home state. He was always up for an adventure, and you could count on his lead foot to get passengers anywhere quickly. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Wade was larger than life, and his laughter could fill the room. A remarkable community builder, he sought personal connections with everyone he met and was always ready to take any calls to celebrate good news or offer wise counsel. When Wade entered a room, the mood was always lighter because of his generosity of spirit and good humor. 

Wade is survived by his wife, Tara Raines Stokes; two daughters and sons-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law; two granddaughters; a grandson; and mother, Doris Stokes. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Wade Stokes, Sr. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 5 at Knollwood Baptist Church, 330 Knollwood Street, Winston-Salem. 

All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Wade may be made to the Stokes Family Scholarship at Wake Forest https://go.wfu.edu/8nt/. Or by mail, c/o Blake Absher, University Advancement, Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.