John Mark Stallings Passes Away

Luckily enough I was in attendance for one of the most memorible moments a ‘Bama fan could ever ask for. The 1993 Sugar Bowl.
When the game was over we ran into John Mark, Mrs. Stallings and a few others in the Superdome lobby as they came off of the ramp from their level. I went over to him and gave him a high-five & a “Roll Tide”. He returned the “Roll Tide” back and Mrs. Stallings just smiled. RTR.

I worked for Coach Stallings, managing his charity golf tournaments. He was a class act as well and his entire family, his wife, daughters and John Mark were the real deal. I can’t imagine what their lives will be like without their son, but I know they are so thankful for the time they had with him. If you ever got the chance to meet John Mark, share in his joy, have him shake your hand (which he always did, because he was taught to be a gentlemen) you were blessed indeed. Thanks Coach and Ruth Ann!!

Dearest Bebes and Ruthie,
I am so sorry for you painful loss. The last time I saw Johnnie was in Waco a couple of years back and he was as precious as ever with his sweet, sweet spirit. Please know that my love and prayers are with you.

Jack Pierce

John Mark blessed us all. His presence on earth taught us that Life is precious and valuable, regardless of its “quality.” And John Mark’s joy and spirit taught most of us to re-examine how we define “quality of Life.” How many of us would wish to live a life as full of happiness and innocent pleasure as he did. Coach Stalling”s book “Another Season” is a must read for any Bama fan, sports fan, and all fans of the human spirit. Our prayers go forth for the Stallings family. But I know that because of their Christian faith, they are rejoicing that John Mark is now saying “Roll Tide!” in a houndstooth Heaven. Thank you Coach and Ruth Ann, for giving the world such a beautiful gift in son! ROLL TIDE!

Heartfelt sympathies go out to all Tide fans on John Mark’s passing. What a wonderful person he was and what a blessing he was to those who came into contact with him. It makes me happy to know that he is in Heaven with the Bear plotting how to beat the Big Orange this year.

This is Reynolds Wood aka Ras Judah aka from Jackson, Mississippi. Recently I came up with a great idea for a way to truly honor John Mark Stallings. So I want to share this idea so that someone who reads this might know how to help bring it to fruition. Here is my idea: I think that a statue of John Mark should be constructed beside the statue of Coach Stallings outside of Bryant Denny Stadium. Perhaps the existing Gene Stallings statue could be changed into a statue of Coach and John Mark holding hands, as in the above photo. I really believe that the Alabama Family would be bery supportive of this idea, and I think Coach and Ruth Ann would be pleased by it as well. Since I live in Mississippi, I don’t know who to contact in official capacities at the University. But perhaps those of you who live in Alabama could call in on the sports talk radio shows (e.g. Finebaum, Jay Barker, etc) and really promote this idea. I think this would be a fitting tribute. What do you think?
Also, I greatly appreciate the above expressions of sympathy and condolence from fans of other teams such as Notre Dame, Tenn, and the Bulldogs (UGA or MSU?). We are all so passionate about our own teams, but the things that really draw us to a love of college football are the human interest stories behind the helmets and underneath the pads. Every school has its share of fans that give it a bad name, but each school also has its share of fans that exhibit class and sportsmanship. So thanks for the true demonstration of class. As Alabama fans, we are glad to share John Mark’s light with rest of the college football community. And I imagine that even if you wore blue or orange, he would say “Roll Tide!” and then give you a great big hug.
God Bless,
Reynolds Wood aka Ras Judah
RastaLife@netscape.com

My deepest sympathy and prayers are with each of you. John Mark was such a precious angel and truly one of the biggest Bama fans there ever was. He was such an inspiration in so many ways. I will always cherish the memories of John Mark. The book “Another Season” was such a wonderful way to honor John Mark. When I read that he had passed away, I cried as thousands of others did and looked at all the pictures of him in the book.

God now has such a precious angel in heaven with him. I sincerely pray that God will give the Stallings family and their friends the strength and comfort each of you need and that He will comfort you in only the way that God can.

God Bless You and thanks for the memories John Mark. You will be deeply missed and always remembered.