William Russell Stocke Sr., 79, a resident of Foley, died Thursday, March 20, 2008 at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Foley.
He was born in Albion, Neb., and was the son of the late Frank E. and Abbie Z. Stocke. He graduated from Foley High School in 1946, and immediately entered the United States Navy, where he served until 1948 and attained the rank of Pharmacist's Mate Third Class. Upon his return to south Alabama, he joined his father in the family construction business, which he actively operated and managed for over 55 years.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Foley and the Foley Masonic Lodge, and was a highly respected member of the local construction industry.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline Merritt Stocke; two sons-in-law, Billy Young and Ronald West.
Survivors include his wife, Lillie C. Stocke of Foley; four daughters, Barbara A. (Bill) Boone of Mobile, Martha A. Young of Foley, Janet F. West of Foley and Donna (AL) Jackson of Pensacola, Fla.; three sons, William R. (Terry) Stocke Jr. of Virginia, Duane Miller of Elberta and Rick (Anita) Miller of Pensacola, Fla.; several grandchildren, one great-grandchild, numerous extended family members.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at the First Presbyterian Church of Foley, 195 E. Berry Ave. Interment will follow at Swift Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 23208 Swift Church Road, Foley.
The family requests memorial donations be made to to First Presbyterian Church of Foley.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Foley.
