Joseph Paul Stallings Jr.

Joseph Paul Stallings, Jr. October 21, 1949 – July 18,2022 “

Joseph (Joe) Paul Stallings, Jr., age 72, passed away on Monday, July 18, in Sun Lakes, Arizona where he lived with his beloved wife, Martha, and his constant companion, Little Miss……… “You will forever be in our hearts, my sweet darling.”

He was born in Charlottesville, VA to the late Joseph Paul Stallings, Sr. and Susie Jane Stallings. He grew up in Staunton, VA and lived in many areas of Virginia during his life. He loved the mountains and the ocean and spent many a day fishing in the Outer Banks of NC, especially at Oregon Inlet.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Carter-Stallings; daughters Luna Stallings (Tyler) and Tai Worlds (Demetrius); his daughters’ mother Susan Stallings; cousins Mike and Rusty Tanner of Reva; Donnie and Paul Utz of Madison; and Vickie Elmore, and Donna Deane, both of Madison. Joe is also survived by many friends and former colleagues including Dave Hever of Chilhowie, VA; Jim Foster and Kay Gonterman of Louisville, KY; and Susan Pauley of Richmond, VA.

Joe received his Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. His life’s work was dedicated to work in the public sector helping people suffering from substance use and mental health disorders to find hope and opportunities for a life with dignity.

Joe was a CHARACTER and unique. He loved to cook and grill, listen to classic and new rock and roll, play games, create playlists, watch movies, travel and explore new areas of this country, build a fire in the woods in the mountains, walk the beach and fish the ocean, adopt and spoil doggies with special needs from local shelters, and snuggle with his soulmate Martha.

He was a charmer and always greeted his women friends with “Hey Sis!”. He had a smile that spread across his entire face yet did not suffer fools lightly. He was an advocate for those whose voices are often left out and believed deeply in the right of each of us to live the life we love. He was an old hippie and free thinker who understood the power of Peace and lived each day fully - even while chronic illness slowly took away some of his ability to do the things he enjoyed. His words (whether spoken or sprawled across his notebook) and actions showed his love and caring for the family, friends, and colleagues in his life.

Joe is in the care of Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler, AZ. In keeping with his wishes, his body will be cremated and returned to his wife and home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give .