Dr. Chad Lamar Stocks, 50, of Raymond, Mississippi entered the gates of heaven on Monday, August 9, 2021.

Chad was born on March 20, 1971 to Deborah N. Ganzerla and Tim Stocks. He was a 1989 graduate of Raymond High School, and continued his education at Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University. Chad always wanted to learn more and find better ways to educate students; this love of learning led him to receive his doctorate in Community College Leadership from his beloved MSU in 2012. He began his career as a 4-H youth Extension Agent before becoming an instructor in the Agriculture Department at Hinds Community College. Eventually, Chad became Vice President of Workforce and Community Development at HCC where he got to use the way and ease he had about him to do so much for so many, not just in agriculture but in other areas as well. He found immense joy in helping his students realize their potential and worked hard to create opportunities for them that would lead to brighter futures.

Chad was husband and best friend to his high school love, Sandra Banes Stocks, and they were married for 28 years. Together they had one daughter, Carly Grace Stocks, who was dearly loved by her dad. Chad will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Shane (Mandy) Stocks, sister, Laura Ganzerla and sister in law Janet (Chuck) Mohler as well as numerous relatives and many, many friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Deborah and grandparents, Donald and Loraine Nelson.

Chad loved Jesus, his family and MSU baseball. He was a loyal friend to many and a devoted uncle to four nephews and one niece. He will be immeasurably missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be at Wright and Ferguson in Raymond on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 5-8 pm. On Thursday, at Hinds Independent Methodist Church in Raymond, there will be a visitation from 10-11 am with a celebration of Chad's life beginning at 11 am.

Pallbearers will be Ty Mohler, Seth Mohler, Chuck Mohler, Matt Woods, Brad Banes, David Creel, Geordan Burroughs and Spencer Burroughs. Honorary pallbearers will be Reed Nelson, Nathan Nelson, AJ Stocks and Jeremy Pennington.

Because Chad cared about and loved his students so, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting gifts be sent to the Dr. Chad Stocks Memorial Scholarship through the Hinds Community College Foundation. You can give online at https://foundation.hindscc.edu/giving.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12