Stallings family friend honors Johnny with PJC endowment

Published or Revised October 21, 2024

Paris native John W. Welch, now of College Station, recently found a wonderful way to honor his friends Ruth Ann and Gene “Bebes” Stallings and the legacy left by their son, John Mark “Johnny” Stallings. That legacy is now inspiring and supporting future generations of students at Paris Junior College.

John, who graduated from Paris High School in 1956 and from Texas A&M University in 1960 is a longtime friend of the Stallings family. Johnny Stallings’ life was filled with love, joy, and a deep connection to those who knew him. As the son of Gene Stallings, former NFL coach and longtime supporter of individuals with special needs, and Ruth Ann Stallings, Johnny’s journey affected people from Paris, Texas, to College Station, Alabama and beyond.

“Johnny was a bright light to everyone who knew him, and his legacy continues to touch hearts,” said John. “I wanted to create something that would extend that light into the future, helping young people who are dedicated to working in special education.”

John’s donation establishes a scholarship endowment for students interested in special education, a cause close to the Stallings family. Johnny, who was born with Down syndrome, became a symbol of strength and resilience. His life not only transformed the Stallings family but also ignited a deep passion in Gene and Ruth Ann for advocating for individuals with disabilities. Gene Stallings famously led the University of Alabama to a national championship, but his most cherished title was “Johnny’s Dad.”

Inspired by Johnny’s story, John sought to honor both his memory and the lifelong dedication of Gene and Ruth Ann to special needs education. His generous gift to Paris Junior College ensures that students passionate about special education will have the financial backing they need to follow their calling.

The scholarship endowment represents more than financial support - it’s a tribute to a family that has given so much of their lives to this cause. Gene and Ruth Ann Stallings’ dedication to improving the lives of people with special needs has left an indelible mark on the Paris community and beyond. This gift, established in their honor and Johnny’s memory, ensures that their work will continue for years to come.

PJC students who receive this scholarship will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs, furthering the vision of inclusivity and empowerment that the Stallings family has always stood for.

“We are incredibly thankful to John W. Welch for this meaningful gift,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, President of Paris Junior College. “This scholarship is a testament to the power of kindness and generosity, and it will have a profound impact on our students and the broader community.”

John’s contribution comes at a pivotal moment for Paris Junior College, as the institution celebrates its centennial anniversary. This new endowment not only supports the college’s mission but also honors a family whose influence has long shaped the values of compassion and care within the community.

“Johnny Stallings was a remarkable individual who touched so many lives, and we are deeply grateful to John W. Welch for this wonderful gift in his memory,” said Baleigh McCoin, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni.

“This scholarship will make a lasting difference for students dedicated to special education and reflects the caring and compassionate spirit of both Johnny and his parents, Gene and Ruth Ann Stallings.”

The Stallings family’s long-standing ties to Paris and their passion for advocating for individuals with special needs are deeply appreciated by the community. This endowment is yet another testament to the power of their influence and their commitment to education.
For more information about the scholarship or to contribute to the endowment, please contact the Paris Junior College Foundation at bmccoin@parisjc.edu or 903-782-0276.

Additional Information:

About Gene “Bebes” Stallings: Gene returned to Lamar County following a long and successful coaching career in college and professional football. He played college football at Texas A&M University (1954–1956), where he was one of the “Junction Boys” under Coach Bear Bryant, and later served as the head coach at his alma mater from 1965 to 1971. In 1972, Stallings joined the staff of the Dallas Cowboys as Tom Landry's secondary coach. He remained with the Cowboys for 14 seasons and helped them win Super Bowl XII. He was also the head coach of the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) (1986–1989) and at the University of Alabama (1990–1996). Stallings’ 1992 Alabama team completed a 13–0 season with a win in the Sugar Bowl over Miami and was named the consensus national champion. Stallings was also a member of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University in 2000. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach on July 16, 2011. He was awarded the Legends Award from the All Sports Association in Dallas in 2001. Stallings has received many humanitarian awards, including the Arthritis Humanitarian Award of Alabama, National Boys Club Alumni of the Year, Dallas Father of the Year, Humanitarian Award of the Lion’s Club of Alabama, and Paris Boys Club Wall of Honor.

About Ruth Ann Stallings: Ruth Ann is a 1955 PJC graduate. As a student at PJC, she was involved in Phi Theta Kappa, the National Junior College Honor Society, and Pen Chat Study Club. She also served as assistant editor of the student newspaper, “The Bat,” was a member of the PJC Band, and earned honors as the Junior Business Woman, Student Council Representative and Homecoming Queen. She was named a PJC Distinguished Alumna in 2012. She and Gene chaired PJC’s successful 2015 Annual Fund Campaign. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and has been active in Cosmos Club, King’s Daughters, book and bridge clubs, the Philanthropic Education Organization and the Red River Council for People with Disabilities, among other groups.

About John Mark “Johnny” Stallings: Though only 46 when he passed away in August 2008, Johnny inspired many and accrued many honors. John Mark was born June 11, 1962, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was the subject of a biography of his life, “Another Season,”” written by his father and Sally Cook. He received an honorary high school diploma from Dallas Christian High School before receiving the “Change the World” award from Abilene Christian University. Bearing his name are the University of Alabama’s RISE School special playground for special needs children and the football equipment room; Faulkner University’s football and soccer fields in Montgomery, Alabama; Texas A&M class of 1957 endowed medical scholarship; a UA campus street in front of the RISE building; a playground in Hartselle, Alabama; and the Recreational Program of the Red River Valley Downs Syndrome Society in Paris, Texas.

University of Alabama were named for Johnny: the Stallings Center (home to the RISE School/Alabama) and the equipment room in the University of Alabama football building. Most recently, Faulkner University named its new football and soccer field after John Mark Stallings.

See the Film:

“Do Right: The Stallings Standard” is a documentary about 1992 National Championship Coach Gene Stallings — who bridged the thirty-year championship gap between University of Alabama coaching legends Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban, as well as working with legendary Coach Tom Landry — while building international awareness and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in a football family encouraged to always do the right thing. The film will be shown at Love Civic Center in Paris at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. More information is at https://dorightstallings.com/showings.