Bobby Clayton Stoker, 91, went to be with the Lord May 23rd, 2026 after a short illness. He was born in North Wilkesboro, NC on April 3rd , 1935 to parents Thomas Roy Stoker and Opal Holbrook Stoker, and was the youngest of three sons. His family moved to Bramwell, WV when he was 15, and it was there that he met his high school sweetheart, and wife of 70 years, Marianna Hughes Stoker. They married during their senior year of college, where he was studying Electrical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech), and Marianna was attending Concord College for a teaching degree.

His first job for Florida Power took them to Coral Gables and Cocoa, FL., where they had their son Mike. Later they came back to Welch, WV and Bluefield, VA, where they had their daughter Leanna. While raising their family in Bluefield, Bobby worked for National Electric Coil and Bluefield Armature until 1981. At that time, he and Marianna moved to Brandon, FL, where he worked at Tampa Armature Works as the large motor division manager until he retired. Over the years, his jobs took him all over the country, working in power plants, Navy ships, coal mines, and a large power plant in the mountains outside Mexico City.

Although he had to travel often for his work, he was always happiest when he was back with his family. Bobby and his family attended Parkview Baptist Church in Bluefield, and he had many roles there: Treasurer, Deacon, and Men’s Sunday School teacher. He also donated his time to do all the electrical wiring for the church’s new addition. He loved to travel, and took his family all over the country to beaches, amusement parks, museums, and National parks.

He was the ultimate handyman, and could repair virtually anything. He loved to read non fiction, and always had a love of history, especially Biblical and WWII history. He planted a large garden every year in Virginia, in order to enjoy the fresh vegetables all summer long. He was active in bowling leagues for years in both Virginia and Florida, and loved to work daily crossword puzzles, always keeping one close at hand. When he retired, Bobby and Marianna lived their retirement years to the fullest, traveling all over the country, to 48 states including Alaska and Hawaii, Italy, Central America the Caribbean, and Canada. They also enjoyed cruises and trips with friends at First Baptist Church in Brandon, where he served as a Men’s Life Group teacher until he was 90 years old.

Bobby is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianna Hughes Stoker, his son, Dr. Michael Hughes Stoker, and his brother, Denver (DM) Marvin Stoker. He is survived by his daughter, Leanna Kathryn Stoker of Brandon, FL, his brother, Roy (Dick) Dale Stoker, of Hickory, NC, grandsons Jonathon Michael Stoker of Wytheville VA, William Andrei Stoker of Rural Retreat, VA, granddaughter Maria Vasilica Stoker of Wytheville, VA, and great grandson Jaylen Cole Stoker of Wytheville, VA.

Bobby spoke often of how he had been blessed with a great life, filled with the love of his family and friends. He will be remembered by those that knew him best as extremely intelligent and generous, and of being a man devoted to God and his family. His daughter will remember him simply as her father and everyday hero. Rest in peace until we all meet again, good and faithful servant…