Donald Wayne Stallings

Donald was born on July 27, 1933, the sixth child of Hal Driscoll Stallings and Mildred Forsman Stallings. His parents preceded him in death. His father, Hal Driscoll Stallings, passed away in 1949, and his mother, Mildred Forsman Stallings, passed away in 1978.

Donald was a proud 1952 graduate of Redland High School in Redland, Texas, in Angelina County near Lufkin. His love of learning continued throughout his life. He attended numerous colleges and universities, including Lon Morris Junior College, Stephen F. Austin State College, Ross University in Alpine, Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, the University of North Texas in Denton, Abilene Christian University, and Olathe University in Kansas. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and came very close to completing a doctorate.

Donald also proudly served his country in the United States Army and, as he recalled it, the United States Air Force. He often shared that he taught military personnel what to do and what to say should they ever be captured. His military service and experiences were an important part of his life and reflected his dedication to serving and helping others.

While Donald was a man who valued education and service, his greatest passion was his faith in Jesus Christ. He took his Christian faith seriously and devoted his life to sharing the love, grace, and truth of his Heavenly Father with others.

Donald was affectionately known by many as “Johnny Appleseed” because he was constantly planting seeds—seeds of faith, hope, encouragement, and the Word of God. He often spoke of “leaving no stone uncovered,” reflecting his determination to reach everyone he could with the message of Christ.

If Donald were here today, he would undoubtedly want to recite “The Blessing,” a message he was passionate about sharing. He made sure it was printed on red paper as a reminder of the blood of Christ and distributed thousands of copies. He also gave away books and spoke with countless people about his faith and about the greatness of our Heavenly Father.

Donald leaves behind many extended family members and countless brothers and sisters in Christ whose lives were touched by his words, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Among those special brothers and sisters were his friends and fellow believers at “Nickel a Cup,” a fellowship from Radius Church, formerly Humble First Assembly of God. Nickel a Cup became a meaningful place of Christian fellowship in Donald’s life, where he enjoyed sharing conversations, encouragement, friendship, and most importantly, his love for the Lord. The brothers and sisters he leaves behind there will deeply miss his presence, his stories, his conversations, and his passion for sharing the Gospel.

Donald spent his life planting seeds.

He planted seeds through his education, his service to his country, his conversations, the books he gave away, the thousands of copies of “The Blessing” he shared, and most importantly, through his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.

His earthly journey has ended, but the seeds he planted continue to live in the hearts and lives of those he encountered.

May those seeds continue to grow, and may Donald’s legacy remind us all to share our faith, leave no stone uncovered, and point others toward our great Heavenly Father.

Until we meet again.