William E. Stallings

Stallings, William E.
William E. (Bill) Stallings was born July 19, 1945, the third child of Dean H. Stallings and Fern J. (Frase) Stallings in Yuma Colorado. He was raised on a farm and ranch located southeast of Yuma. The Stallings family were members in the United Methodist church in Yuma. Throughout his life Bill continued to be an active member of the church. Bill attended elementary and high school in Yuma. He was a member of Student Council, active in school sports, Future Farmers of America, band, and choir. During high school, his greatest love was wrestling. In 1962 Bill won the 95-98 pound Colorado Wrestling Title. He was the first state wrestling champion from Yuma. He graduated from High School in 1963. After high school Bill attended Adams State College in Alamosa Colorado, but discontinued his college studies to pursue a racing career. In 1963 Bill started pursuing a career as a jockey. Many people helped Bill get started with his career, but none more than Pat and Lela Wasson who held Bill's Jockey Apprenticeship contract. Throughout Bill's 20 year career as a jockey, he rode thoroughbreds, quarter horses and appaloosas. He won over 100 stakes wins, set numerous records, and had over 4000 wins during his career. Bill received the Jockey of the Year Award at Turf Paradise in December 1975. In 1979 Bill was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. In 1980 he was chosen as the Arizona Rider of the Year. Bill had a passion about everything involving the racing industry. In addition to riding, he was a member, served on committees and was the Film Analyst for the Jockey's Guild. In 1980 Bill received a lifetime achievement award, the Golden Apple Award, for outstanding service to the Sport of Kings. This award requires the recommendation from the owners, trainers, jockeys and officials of the racing industry. After retiring from riding in 1980, Bill studied and qualified to become a steward, certified racing official. He became an approved racing official for the Department of Racing in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Because of this extensive knowledge of the racing business, his work for the Department of Racing included developing and updating the Racing regulations for these states. He worked as a steward for seventeen years. In 1990, he had to retire because of health reasons and moved back to Colorado to be close to his family. Bill was preceded in death by his father Dean H. Stallings and his sister Donna J. Bury. He is survived by his mother, Fern J. Stallings, his sister Deanna Rice and husband Joe Rice, his brother Dr. Martin Stallings and nephews Jacob and Adam. He is survived by his daughter Margo Stephens and grandsons Jeremy Kilpatrick and Clayton Stephens. He is also survived by his daughter Andrea Spressor and husband Anthony Spressor and granddaughters Alexandrea and Sydney. A Memorial Service will be held at the Sun Lakes Methodist Chapel on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial is preferred.