Oral Preston Stallings passed away on November 10, 2024, at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. He was 77 years old.

Honor Gathering Service will be held at the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building on December 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. (downstairs) 255 South Auburn Street, Grass Valley.

Oral was born on October 23, 1947 in Madara, California where he was put in an orphanage from the age of 4-8 years old. His grandparents adopted his sister and himself and moved to Tulsa, OK. There he lived on a chicken farm. In his teens, the family moved to Duarte, CA. At the age of 17 he joined the USMC where he exemplified in courage and dedication. He served from 1965-1969. He had many trades and worked in many capacities, traveling across the country. He magically landed in Grass Valley, CA in 1977. There he met his future wife, Cheryl D. Cobb. They were married on June 23, 1979 at McKitrick Trout Farm in Nevada City.

He was a jeweler, a watch repairer, a forest fire fighter, and in the 1980’s he was a house painter and handyman. He worked at “Neighborhood Center of the Arts” as a horticulturist teacher in 1994. (His favorite profession) Commander of American Legion, Post 130, for two years. He was founder of Nevada County All Veterans Honor Guard. He was key founder of the Nevada County Veterans Standdown which was started in 1999.

He was a true craftsman. He built his home with his bare hands, showcasing his remarkable skill and determination. Oral was also a dedicated volunteer, contributing selflessly to numerous local communities and worked tirelessly to support those in need. He was deeply involved with his Native American heritage honoring traditions and helping anonymous individuals along the way.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl Diane Stallings, son Ira Victor Stallings, daughter Sierra Dawn Stallings, grandson Isaiah Victor Stallings, and granddaughter Isla Rose Stallings.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nevada County All Veterans Honor Guard.