Edgar “Gene” Stallings, 77, or La Grange, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Gene was born on July 29, 1945, to Johnnie Lee and Trudy Edna Gray Stallings in Kinston, NC. Known by all for his work ethic, Gene never missed a single day of school and always lived by the motto “if you are 20 minutes early, you are still too late.”

Gene lived his entire life in and around agriculture. He worked over 50 years in the pork industry at several companies including Smithfield Foods and Duplin Marketing, where he was respected by not only management, but by the workers in the yards and at the plants. He spent countless hours in livestock arenas at shows, sales, and fairs.

Gene was an avid sports fan. He would watch any game in any sport that was televised and usually knew more about each team than the announcers. Gene loved watching NC State more than any other team. He would often arrive at Carter Finley Stadium even before the gates opened so he could watch the Wolfpack warm up.

Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered for always being there for anyone in his family whenever they needed him. Most notably, by caring for his wife, Nancy Jo, every day up until his body would no longer allow him to do so.

In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his brother, Johnnie Lee Stalling, Jr., sister, Edna Mae Nash, and son-in-law, John Braswell.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Jo Denmark Stallings; his daughters, Jeannie Lane, Mary Hope Braswell, and Allison Stallings Taylor (husband, Jason); his grandchildren, Joshua, Katie, Will, Austin, Edward, and Eliza; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as many other extended family members friends, and special caregivers.

A service to honor Gene’s life will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor John Wiggins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers and staff at Parkwood Village, ComForCare Homecare, and Gentiva Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Missionary Baptist Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.