Statue of Gene Stallings, late son John Mark unveiled at Faulkner University
Former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings looks at a bronze statue of his late son, John Mark Stallings as he speaks during Faulkner University's dedication ceremony for John Mark Stallings Field Friday in Montgomery, Ala. (Photo by Julie Bennett, via AL.com)
AL.com in Alabama reports:
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — They will now forever walk hand-in-hand; coach and fan, father and son, Gene Stallings and John Mark Stallings.
On a chamber of commerce day, Faulkner University unveiled a life-sized bronze statue by artist Clydetta Fulmer depicting the former Alabama coach and his late son, the statue’s pose based on a photograph of the two men walking across the Superdome field prior to the 1993 Sugar Bowl. The statue is placed just inside the entrance to the new Faulkner Stadium, just a few yards away from an end zone of John Mark Stallings Field.
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How wonderful to be at the dedication ceremony for John Mark Stallings Field on Friday in Montgomery. So proud to be a friend of a wonderful family. May God continue to bless each of you!
I had the privilege of having Martha Kate in class at Lake Highlands Junior High School in Dallas, Texas. Her mother was very active in our local PTA. I remember Gene coming to our meet the teacher night and the kind remarks that he made to me. John Mark was just as active as anyone in the family and used to give me Dallas Cowboy tickets when I would go by their house. We all remember that boy because he had such love in his heart for everyone. I am so glad that this statue is in place because he made a difference in others lives. We all need reminders of “how we should be”. I think that this will help us all to realize that being a Christian is very special now and in the life to come which is eternity. This family will always be special to me.
In 1980, I had the opportunity to meet Johnny at a bible study and get-together at the home of some friends. It was the first time in my life that I had met someone with Downs Syndrome. I was so impressed with his kindness and sweet demeanor, and after meeting his parents, I saw where the example of kindness and love were taught.
Little did I know, at that time, what God had in store for me. Two years later, I was blessed with a tiny baby girl and was told that she had Downs Syndrome. The only person that came to mind was Johnny.
Now, we have a beautiful young christian lady with such a kind and giving heart. She reminds us each day of God’s loving spirit.
I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to meet Johnny.
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