Harry Stallings

Harry C. Stallings of Gainesville FL passed away at E.T. York Hospice House on Friday, May 30th, 2025. He was 82 years old. Born in Cordele GA September 2, 1942, as the youngest son of Tom C. and Esther T. Stallings, his family moved to Starke FL when he was in the fifth grade. After graduating from Bradford High School in 1960, he married his high school sweetheart Margaret Ann Phillips at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Starke. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage on July 4th of this year. Harry commuted to work from Starke to Gainesville for the next seven years, then moved his family to Gainesville in 1967. His employment with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) lasted 40-plus years, retiring as a lab supervisor at Deerhaven Generating Station July 4, 2003. As an active member of CWA Local 3170 (Public Employees of Gainesville and Alachua County FL), Harry was on the bargaining team that negotiated and brought to fruition a pension plan for all rank-and-file employees. He fought for and succeeded in fair and equitable testing practices for job advancement. His focus was on the “little people” (you know – “us worker bees”) throughout his Union affiliation and served as Secretary-Treasurer for almost twenty years. An avid sports fan, Harry coached City League football during the 70’s with his primary focus being sure every one of his young athletes had a chance to “get on the field and play.” No player sat on the bench the entire game. And those who needed a ride home from a game or practice got one from Coach Stallings! Active in Eastside High School Sports Boosters, he was among a group of parents who raised the money for purchasing a van shared by the school’s minor sports. Harry was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Bradford Lodge No. 35, Starke FL, since 1975. Hunting, fishing, camping, working in his vegetable and herb garden, cooking, grilling, drinking with his buddies were many of the activities enjoyed by this big guy. He was very interested in outer space and our mysterious universe. He absolutely LOVED dancing and socializing. This husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather loved his family and always said they were his greatest treasure. Harry was predeceased by his oldest son Luke, brother Tom C. Stallings Jr., parents Tom and Esther Stallings, sister-in-law Jane Allen and brother-in-law Freddie Dinkins. Survivors include his wife Margaret Ann Stallings of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law Lissa and Tim Boone of Belleville IL; daughter and partner Lauri Stallings and Rick Carvlin of Palmetto GA; son Linc Stallings of Lansing WV; granddaughter Isla Noelle (Linc); granddaughter Ashley Boone of Portland OR; great-granddaughter Evelyn Trillium (Ashley); grandson and wife Jarrod and Andi Boone of Ames IA; sister Melissa Griggs of Hiawassee GA; sister and brother-in-law Susan and Hunter Sahler of Riverview FL; sister-in-law Carolyn Stallings of Keystone Heights FL; sister-in-law Rebecca Christopher of Winter Haven FL; sister-in-law Anna Dinkins of Lakeland FL; brother-in-law and wife John and Donna Phillips of Moniac GA; and many nieces and nephews. Harry is also greatly missed by his devoted golden retriever Lizzie and her side-kick Miss Lona, a terrier mix nicknamed Tripp because Harry decided “that dog is a real trip” – sounds just like Harry!
So dear family and friends: Mark your calendar, dress comfortably and join us for a celebration of Harry’s life on Friday JULY 11, 2025, at the Milam Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin at 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. with services at 5:30 p.m. A social gathering and light supper will be held afterward for family and friends at the home of Chris and Jaya Brew. Inurnment will be at Crosby Lake Cemetery, Starke FL, on Saturday, July 12 at 11:00
a.m.
For those who wish, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville FL 32606, or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1212 North Church Street, Starke FL 32091.
Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 South Main Street, Gainesville FL 32601 – 352 376-5361 www.milamfh.com