Joseph Allen Stalnaker, Sr., age 81, of Olive Branch, MS passed away on July 13,2020. He was born on April 4, 1939 in Beverly, West Virginia to Theodore and Virginia Stalnaker. He attended Munhall Senior High in Pittsburgh, PA until he joined the Navy on his 17th birthday in 1956. He had a decorated 21 years of service before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer from then Naval Base in Millington, TN.
He married Elizabeth Maynard on April 30, 1966 in Hagerstown, MD. Over the next 54 years they welcomed 5 daughters and one son, 20 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. His family remembers him as Pappy: devoted, fair, fun loving, patriotic and always available. He completely convinced each one that they were his “favorite”.
He enjoyed fishing and golfing and dancing with his wife, but his favorite pastime was watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Pappy had his own style of wearing a baseball hat and was always quick with a joke and to light up a smoke. His family depended on his calm spirit and trusted guidance for the many storms of life. He was compassionate and eager to help strangers in need. He taught his family respect for others and an appreciation for the country he served so honorably.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his stepfather Auggie Jordan and brother Jack Jordan of Erin, Tn and his grandson, Jeff Edgar, of Gallatin, TN. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Stalnaker of Olive Branch, MS; his oldest twin daughters Pam McLelland (Lex) of Niceville, FL with their children Nick and Linsey and daughter Tamara Stalnaker of Jacksonville, FL with her daughters, Chelsie and Chloe; daughter Becky Hicks (Doug) of Gallatin, TN with their children Jake, Jessica, Logan and Kasi; daughter Sissy Allmon (Tom) of Olive Branch, MS with their children Beth, Tommy and Daniel; son Joe Stalnaker Jr (Mary) of Memphis, TN with their children Joe III , Sam, Spencer and Hank; daughter Amy Haynes (Dan) of Olive Branch, MS and their children Brooke, Kirsten, Tori and Bradley; and 14 great grandchildren; and his older sister Binky Powell (Billy) of Clarksville, TN.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, July 18th at 2 pm at Brantley Funeral Home for the immediate family with virtual services online. There is a brief visitation before the funeral from 1-2 pm for extended family and friends. Committal to burial will be Wednesday, July 29th at 11:00 am at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
