Former NFL defensive lineman; businessman
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Key moments and achievements from Don Stallings's life.
Don was born
· Rocky Mount, North Carolina, United States
work
As a child, Stallings spent Fridays and Saturdays pumping gas and helping at his father’s Coal and Ice business on Ricks Street. The work gave him an early sense of responsibility and tied him to the family enterprise that would later shape his career. It also rooted him in the practical habits that defined his adult life.
work
As a child, Stallings spent Fridays and Saturdays pumping gas and helping at his father’s Coal and Ice business on Ricks Street. The work gave him an early sense of responsibility and tied him to the family enterprise that would later shape his career. It also rooted him in the practical habits that defined his adult life.
nickname
At age 12, while attending Boy Scout Troop 113, Stallings arrived at a camporee covered in coal dust. The moment earned him the nickname “Coal Bucket,” which followed him into football and business. The name became a symbol of the hard work that marked his life.
nickname
At age 12, while attending Boy Scout Troop 113, Stallings arrived at a camporee covered in coal dust. The moment earned him the nickname “Coal Bucket,” which followed him into football and business. The name became a symbol of the hard work that marked his life.
graduation
Stallings graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1956. He had lettered in football, basketball and baseball there, showing the range of his athletic talent. His high school years helped prepare him for the scholarship that followed.
graduation
Stallings graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1956. He had lettered in football, basketball and baseball there, showing the range of his athletic talent. His high school years helped prepare him for the scholarship that followed.
scholarship
Stallings earned a football scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was recruited by Jim Tatum. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Tar Heels. His college career established him as a player known for toughness and versatility.
scholarship
Stallings earned a football scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was recruited by Jim Tatum. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Tar Heels. His college career established him as a player known for toughness and versatility.
honor
Stallings was named a Tar Heel All-American and earned a place on the 1960 college All-Star squad that played against the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. The recognition marked him as one of the standout players of his era. It also positioned him for the professional opportunity that followed.
honor
Stallings was named a Tar Heel All-American and earned a place on the 1960 college All-Star squad that played against the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. The recognition marked him as one of the standout players of his era. It also positioned him for the professional opportunity that followed.
draft
The Washington Redskins selected Stallings in the 1960 NFL Draft. He played nine games for the team that season. His time in professional football was brief, but it remained an important part of his life story.
draft
The Washington Redskins selected Stallings in the 1960 NFL Draft. He played nine games for the team that season. His time in professional football was brief, but it remained an important part of his life story.
business transition
After his father became ill, Stallings left professional football and returned to Rocky Mount to help run the family business. The move redirected his life from the NFL to North Carolina commerce. It also set the stage for the company he would later build.
business transition
After his father became ill, Stallings left professional football and returned to Rocky Mount to help run the family business. The move redirected his life from the NFL to North Carolina commerce. It also set the stage for the company he would later build.
founding
Stallings founded Eagle Transport Corporation in 1968 and grew it into one of the nation’s largest petroleum and chemical tank line companies. WBTV reported that he started the company in 1969 after returning to North Carolina. Either way, the company became the central achievement of his business career.
founding
Stallings founded Eagle Transport Corporation in 1968 and grew it into one of the nation’s largest petroleum and chemical tank line companies. WBTV reported that he started the company in 1969 after returning to North Carolina. Either way, the company became the central achievement of his business career.
coaching
In 1962 and 1963, Stallings volunteered as the offensive line coach for Rocky Mount Senior High School. The team won the State 4-A Championship both years. The work reflected his continuing connection to the school and to the game that had helped shape him.
coaching
In 1962 and 1963, Stallings volunteered as the offensive line coach for Rocky Mount Senior High School. The team won the State 4-A Championship both years. The work reflected his continuing connection to the school and to the game that had helped shape him.
leadership
Stallings chaired the Rams Club in 1998 and 1999. The role placed him in a leadership position within Carolina athletics. It also foreshadowed the broader university service that followed.
leadership
Stallings chaired the Rams Club in 1998 and 1999. The role placed him in a leadership position within Carolina athletics. It also foreshadowed the broader university service that followed.
trustee service
Stallings served on the UNC Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2009. His service reflected a long commitment to the university that had first given him a football scholarship. He remained closely tied to Carolina through governance as well as philanthropy.
trustee service
Stallings served on the UNC Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2009. His service reflected a long commitment to the university that had first given him a football scholarship. He remained closely tied to Carolina through governance as well as philanthropy.
award
In 2014, Stallings and Billie received the William Richardson Davie Award, UNC’s highest alumni honor for service and dedication. The award recognized their sustained support for the university. It stood as one of the clearest acknowledgments of their impact on Carolina.
award
In 2014, Stallings and Billie received the William Richardson Davie Award, UNC’s highest alumni honor for service and dedication. The award recognized their sustained support for the university. It stood as one of the clearest acknowledgments of their impact on Carolina.
induction
Stallings was inducted into the Twin County Hall of Fame in 2021. The honor recognized his influence in the region where he had been raised and where he had built his business. It also underscored how closely his reputation remained tied to eastern North Carolina.
induction
Stallings was inducted into the Twin County Hall of Fame in 2021. The honor recognized his influence in the region where he had been raised and where he had built his business. It also underscored how closely his reputation remained tied to eastern North Carolina.
Don Stallings passed away
