We are saddened by the loss of our friend and historian Dr. Joseph Taylor Stukes, of Florence, South Carolina, who died January 12, 2016.  Tribute from a former student:  “Dr. Joseph Taylor Stukes, Noted S.C. History Professor dies.   Though he was never a member of SAR, Dr. Joe Stukes promoted the history of the American Revolution and especially the Revolution in South Carolina than any other person I know.  He did receive the SCSSAR Educator of the Year Award a few years back.  He taught at Lander University, Erskine College and for many years as a distinguished Professor of History at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C.

This article is not written to be another obituary for Dr. Stukes.  I am writing it as a testimony by a former student of his at Erskine College (Class of 1971), and how he made American History come to life for me long after I had graduated college.  He did many presentations at schools and historical events often portraying our revolutionary heroes dressed out in period costumes. Dr. Stukes was a speaker at one of our Battle of Eutaw Springs annual observances. He participated for many years in the annual Francis Marion Symposiums headed up by George and Carole Summers in Manning, S.C. He helped me dedicate, the SAR Patriot Marker for Col. John James at Indiantown Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg County. This was my childhood home church.  He lived American History.  Dr. Stukes’ contribution of sharing his love of history with so many in his lifetime will be remembered by all who knew him.”  Submitted by Douglas Doster, Battle of Eutaw Springs Chapter SCSSAR