Jack Thomas Stallings, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2018 in Tallahassee, Fla. Jack was born on April 8, 1931 to Mabel O’Briant Stallings and William C. Stallings in Durham, NC.
He is widely known for his love for, and contribution to the sport of baseball as a collegiate coach. Jack attended Durham High School where he excelled in athletics, earning him the nickname, “Jack-Rabbit.” He went on to play baseball for Wake Forest where he then began his college coaching career after polio halted a career in professional ball. He then coached six seasons at Florida State where he led the Seminoles to a second place finish in the 1970 College World Series. Coach Jack Stallings spent 24 seasons at Georgia Southern and guided the Eagles to a College World Series appearance in 1990, five NCAA postseason appearances, four Trans America Athletic Conference championships, and three Southern Conference titles.
Jack was also an international ambassador for baseball. He was a member of the 1951 U.S. Pan-American Games team, and later served as a United States National Team coach, and U.S. Olympic Team administrator. He was also a professor and author, and the recipient of many honors.
He was “Coach” to many, “Skip” to some, and “Daddy” and “Granddaddy” to his family. He is preceded in death by his wife of over 65 years, Norma Griffin Stallings whom he loved dearly; his parents, sister Jane, and brother William. He is survived by three sons, Jack Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO, Mike (Susie) of Woodville, and Don (Sandra) of Tallahassee; 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He leaves them with lasting memories; stories of his adventures told at the dinner table, lessons of baiting fish hooks, baling hay, backhanding a ball, fixing fences, and building bonfires; that practice makes permanent, family is the most important, and to give your best effort. He was a great man, a great husband, and a great dad and grandfather. He was patient and leaves a legacy of working hard, loving others, enjoying life, staying humble and honoring your word.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303, with interment immediately following at Woodville Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until service time.
On September 7, a celebration of Jack’s life is planned in Statesboro GA.
It’s a great day for baseball.
Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Stallings family with their arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, June 24, 2018
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.