Franklin “Wayne” Stokely, Jr.

Franklin Wayne Stokely, Jr., 62, of Lumberton, Texas, died Tuesday, October 24, 2023. He was born on December 21, 1960, in Longview, Texas, to Franklin Stokely Sr. and Mary Billingsly Stokely.

Wayne was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend and so much more to all those whose lives he touched. His selflessness and dedication were evident in his role as a husband and father, raising five wonderful children. He instilled in them the values of love, kindness, charity, compassion, work ethic, humility, and family. Wayne loved his wife, Tamara, and together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth.

Professionally, Wayne has been in the financial industry for 37 years, of which the last 17 with Neches Federal Credit Union as a Commercial Lending Officer. He had a positive impact and touched many people’s lives in the community.

Wayne loved to volunteer and work with various charities in the community. He was a Key Man with the YMBL and President of the YMBL in 2015, Fair Chairman for the Southeast Texas State Fair in 2017, and was also a previous board member with the Southeast Texas Food Bank. He loved to ride Harley Davidson motorcycles and was a member of the Cowboy Chapter Hog Association. He enjoyed the open road, weekend rides and cross-country trips with friends. Every ride or visit to a new place, he had to stop and grab a Harley poker chip and coin.

He also loved spending time with his family, whether it be sporting events, weekend cookouts, or vacations; family is where he wanted to be.

While we mourn the loss of Wayne, we can take comfort in knowing he left behind a legacy with his family and in the community. His caring nature will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched. We can smile knowing that his spirit lives on and his selfless acts of service to others will remain as reminders of the great man he was. Let us not mourn the loss of Wayne, let us instead celebrate the impact that he had on all our lives. He will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us with his smile and legacy of love.

Wayne was survived by his wife of 34 years, Tamara Stokely; children, Shauntel Palacios and husband, Richard; Lauren Brownlee and husband, Kevin; Shealyn “Huxley” Sloan; Shane Stokely; and Braelyn Stokely; grandchildren, Alexis Stokely, Allyson Williams, Zoe Brownlee, Kylie Brownlee, and Dawson Stokely; father-in-law, Travis Douglas; siblings, Elaine Matak and husband, Chris and Steven Stokely, Sr. and wife, Elizabeth; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of Wayne’s family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m., with his memorial service at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Broussard’s Mortuary, 505 North 12^th Street, Nederland, Texas.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Stokely’s honor may be made to Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706, The Southeast Texas Food Bank, 3845 South MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont, Texas 77705, or The Boys and Girls Club of Beaumont, 2350 Interstate 10 E, Beaumont, Texas 77703.