Ralph Clayton Stallings

Ralph Stallings was born on October 10th, 1924 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma Territory. Ralph worked in the fields from Oklahoma to California and took care of his parents from the time he was 12 years old. During WWII, at 18 years old, Ralph joined the Army and served in the Pacific Theatre for 3 1/2 years. The day after he returned from the service, he met JoAnn Hall at the Lincoln, CA Assembly of God Church. Eight fast months later, they were married in September 1946.

Ralph worked for 10 years as a crane operator at Gladding McBean Pottery in Lincoln, CA before starting a 30 year career of distinction at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento. He retired in 1980.

After his retirement, Ralph was a regular volunteer at his church, the Citrus Heights Assembly of God, where he also served as a deacon for many years. He was very proud to have headed the building project for the church's Fireside Room that housed a main meeting area, classrooms and offices.

During over 30 years of retirement, Ralph and JoAnn enjoyed traveling to places like Hawaii, Canada, New England, New York and Washington DC. They spent many hours on the road visiting their children and grandchildren, always active in their lives wherever they may have lived.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 67 years, JoAnn Stallings of Citrus Heights, CA and his three children; Marciel Leach of Citrus Heights, CA, Marlene Ellithorp of Willows, CA and Clay Stallings of Nashville, TN. Ralph and JoAnn have 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Dad, we will forever remember how from so little you built a family full of love where everyone has always been welcome. The chains of Alzheimer's have been broken and your wonderful spirit is free again. Rest in peace, we will all see you again inside those Pearly Gates.