Billy Don Stallings

Billy Don Stallings, 95, passed away on January 14, 2026, leaving behind a family who knows just how fortunate they were to love him for so long.

He lived his life in the small, faithful ways that mattered most – showing up, keeping his word, and treating people well without ever needing to say much about it. He was born May 19, 1930, in Leonard, Arkansas to William Henry and Decie Ann Stallings. He grew up in Arkansas and married Barbara Faries on August 5, 1959. They moved to northern Illinois where he retired from Chrysler Corporation of Belvidere, Illinois after 35 years. He was a member of Rockford United General Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee. To his family, he was the familiar face in the crowd and the steady hand nearby, showing up for school events, ball games, and everyday moments without ever needing to be asked.

He found joy in the simple things: St. Louis Cardinals baseball, old western movies, and a bowl of ice cream most nights before bed. He took immense pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow into their own while quietly cheering them on through every season of life.

His family will fondly remember his sense of humor, the kind that revealed itself after a pause. One of their favorite stories is how he once declared himself "allergic to chocolate" to escape an overpriced cup of hot cocoa, a moment that captured his quick wit and unexpected humor.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Faries Stallings, His children Leisa (Stephen) Naff, and Bradley (Jenny) Stallings; his Grandchildren Amy (Justin) Richardson, and Dylan (Kelly) Stallings; and Great-Grandchildren Carson, Abigail, Hannah, Caleb, and Claire; Siblings Bonna (Doyle) Smith, and Lindell (Jean) Stallings. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and special "adopted" sons Mark and Danny Piccirilli. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Donna Stallings, and Brothers Pete (Pauline) Stallings, and Granville (Gerri) Stallings.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Irby Funeral Home in Rector, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Due to the weather forecast, burial will be held at a later date at Harvey's Chapel Cemetery. We ask everyone to join us afterwards in celebrating with memories and lunch at Marmaduke United Methodist Church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes acts of kindness in his memory – a simple reflection of the way he lived his life.